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)

One of the main witnesses in the Sandeshkhali violence case, Bholanath Ghosh, was critically injured when a speeding truck collided with his car on the Basanti Highway near Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Ghosh’s younger son, Satyajit Ghosh (32), and their driver, Sahanur Molla (27), died on the spot after the collision. Eyewitnesses said the truck rammed the car head‑on, dragged it several metres, and dumped it in a nearby water body; the truck driver fled the scene. The family suspects foul play, alleging the crash was orchestrated to silence Ghosh ahead of his court appearance in ongoing cases against jailed TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. (PC: ANI)

Italy has become the first country ever to receive legacy status for its entire national cuisine — not just a dish or region, but the full spectrum of Italian cooking — from UNESCO. The decision, announced at a UNESCO assembly in New Delhi, celebrates Italian food — from pasta and pizza to tiramisu and regional dishes — as more than just meals, but as a living cultural tradition that binds families and communities. The bid, initiated in 2023 and championed by the government, emphasised that Italian cuisine is a cultural fabric weaving together social rituals, regional diversity, respect for ingredients and inter‑generational knowledge. Officials say the recognition strengthens Italy’s cultural identity globally and may provide an economic boost by promoting tourism and safeguarding its gastronomic heritage. (PC: Reuters)

Four young men in Herat, Afghanistan were detained after being seen wearing outfits inspired by the British series Peaky Blinders — trench coats, flat caps, and vintage-style suits — which had made them local internet sensations. The country’s “Morality Police,” under the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, accused them of “promoting foreign culture” contrary to Afghan and Islamic values. While initial reports said the men were sent to a rehabilitation program, the ministry later clarified that they were “summoned, advised and released.” One detainee, reportedly with a large online following, apologized — saying he had “unknowingly spread things against Sharia” and promised to stop.

The Delhi High Court (HC) raised serious concerns over the IndiGo flight cancellations, asking how airfares for some routes skyrocketed to ₹39,000. While acknowledging the corrective measures taken by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the court questioned why the situation was allowed to escalate to such an extent, causing immense inconvenience to thousands of stranded passengers. The HC emphasized the need for stricter oversight and accountability from both airlines and regulators. Authorities were directed to ensure normal operations resume promptly and submit a report on the inquiry into the crisis. (PC: HT Photo)

A sharp clash broke out in Parliament as Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi argued during the debate on electoral reforms. Gandhi challenged Shah to “have a debate” on his press conferences about voter list issues. Shah refused and said he would decide the order of his speech, not the Opposition. Shah accused the Congress of double standards and claimed the first “vote chori” happened when Nehru was chosen over Patel. He also said Indira Gandhi changed the law after her election was struck down. Gandhi called Shah’s reply “defensive and fearful,” while Shah said he would not be provoked. (PC: X)

A new US rule asking H-1B and H-4 visa applicants to make their social media profiles public has caused panic among Indians. The rule starts on December 15 and lets consular officers check posts on X, Instagram and LinkedIn. Many fear extra delays and tough scrutiny. Visa interviews in Indian consulates, including Hyderabad and Chennai, have been suddenly cancelled and moved to March 2026. This has disrupted jobs, travel and family plans. The US Embassy warned applicants to follow their new dates. The State Department said the rule is needed for security checks and applies to all applicants. (PC: India Today)

Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah clashed in the Lok Sabha during a debate on electoral reforms. Gandhi interrupted Shah’s speech and challenged him to a “debate” on his press conferences. Shah replied that he would decide the order of his speech and asked the Congress side to be patient. Gandhi later said Shah looked “defensive and nervous.” The clash came after Shah dismissed Gandhi’s claim of voter list fraud, saying the Election Commission had already clarified the issue. Shah said the Haryana address Gandhi cited was a large family property, not a fake house. (PC: HT)

A major probe has found that a sperm donor carrying a cancer-causing TP53 gene mutation fathered at least 197 children in Europe. Some children have already developed cancer, and a few have died. The donor passed normal checks, but up to 20% of his sperm carried the mutation linked to Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which gives a high lifetime cancer risk. The sperm was used in 14 countries. A small number of British women who travelled abroad for treatment have been informed. Experts say there is no global limit on sperm use and screening cannot catch every risk. (PC: BBC)

At a rally in Puducherry, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) aide Bussy Anand was cut off mid-speech when a female IPS officer snatched the microphone, warning “40 people have died.” The meeting was held under tight security and strict conditions — crowd size capped at 5,000 with QR-coded entries only — in response to the fatal 2025 Karur stampede. A man carrying a handgun was also detained at the gate, raising further security concerns. The rally, first since the tragedy, underscores continuing tensions over crowd-control and political mobilisation.