IndiGo has refunded Rs 827 crore for cancelled tickets as it faces its worst operational crisis. Between November 21 and December 7, over 9.5 lakh tickets were cancelled, with nearly six lakh cancelled in the first week of December alone. Of 9,000 delayed bags, 4,500 have been returned, with the rest expected in 36 hours. The airline’s Crisis Management Group is working to restore operations and ensure timely information for passengers. Flight disruptions were caused by mismanagement of new safety norms. Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu warned of strict action, saying the government will “set an example” for all airlines. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai-based DJ Mita Nikki, known as DJ Nicky, was scheduled to perform at Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa. She was on her way to the club when a fire broke out, killing at least 25 people, including 14 staff members and 4 tourists. DJ Nicky confirmed she is safe and expressed grief for the victims on Instagram. Eyewitnesses said the fire may have started from a spark caused by a pyro gun on the wooden roof. Four people, including managers, have been arrested, and five injured people remain under treatment in hospital.

US President Donald Trump has raised concerns about Netflix’s planned $72bn deal to buy Warner Bros and HBO. Speaking at the Kennedy Center, Trump said Netflix already has a “very big market share” and combining the companies “could be a problem.” He said he would personally oversee the approval process. The deal would bring major franchises like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings to Netflix. Industry experts note competition issues could arise, but some expect the deal to go through with concessions. The Writers Guild warned it could reduce jobs and content diversity. (PC: BBC)

Parliament held a special discussion to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the debate and called the song a sacred mantra that inspired India’s freedom movement. A light moment followed when Modi referred to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as “Bankim Da”. Trinamool MP Saugata Roy objected and said the correct term was “Bankim Babu”. Modi accepted the correction and joked that he hoped he could still call Roy “dada”. Modi said the song united the nation and should inspire India to reach its goals by 2047. The Winter Session will continue till December 19. (PC: HT)

A former BCCI selector has warned the board against dropping Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the 2027 World Cup plans. Gautam Gambhir has said that both seniors are not automatic picks, but Devang Gandhi disagrees. He believes the team must be built around Kohli and Rohit to avoid past mistakes. Gandhi warned that India used too many players before the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, which hurt team balance. He said India must fix the middle order and pick a stable group of 20 players. He added that ignoring the seniors could lead to a “catastrophic” outcome. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate a three-hour Lok Sabha debate Monday marking Vande Mataram's 150th anniversary, highlighting its historical significance in India's freedom movement. Congress fielded Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the discussion. Rajya Sabha debates begin Tuesday with Home Minister Amit Shah expected to participate. BJP MP Sambit Patra credited Modi for recognizing national icons "marginalised by Nehru-Gandhi politics," while CPI General Secretary D. Raja accused BJP-RSS of using the occasion to advance ideological narratives. Parliament will also debate election reforms Tuesday-Thursday, covering Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and contentious electoral aspects across both Houses. (PC: Mathrubhumi English & India Today)

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana announced her wedding to musician Palash Muchhal has been cancelled, requesting privacy without revealing reasons. The World Cup winner confirmed the decision on Instagram after weeks of speculation, stating her focus remains on representing India and winning trophies. Muchhal separately confirmed the split, slamming "baseless rumours" circulating since their November wedding postponement following Mandhana's father's heart attack symptoms. He warned of legal action against those spreading "false and defamatory content," calling it the "most difficult phase" of his life. Both emphasized the relationship's sacred nature and urged society to avoid judgment based on unverified gossip.

US President Donald Trump expressed concerns about Netflix's $83 billion Warner Bros. acquisition Sunday, citing the streaming giant's substantial market share as potentially problematic. Trump confirmed he'll participate in the regulatory decision while praising Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who recently visited the White House, for doing "one of the greatest jobs in movie history." The deal would give Netflix HBO Max, Warner Bros. studios' extensive catalog including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, DC superheroes, and classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane. Television channels Discovery and CNN would be spun off pre-sale. Netflix beat Comcast and Paramount Skydance after Warner Bros. Discovery invited offers in October.

Four Delhi family members died in the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people Sunday. Three sisters named Anita, Kamla, and Saroj Joshi and brother-in-law Vinod Kumar perished while attempting to rescue trapped relatives. Sole survivor Bhavna Joshni escaped after being pushed out amid chaos. The group from Karawal Nagar was on their first Goa trip when fire erupted as they prepared to leave after dinner. Two bodies were so charred identification proved difficult. Kamla and Vinod leave behind spouses and children each. Their elderly, frail mother hasn't been informed. Family friend Harish Singh described panicked rescue attempts hampered by inadequate exits and crushing crowds pushing through heavy smoke.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in London Monday alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden emphasized Ukraine's security and self-determination as central discussion points. US special envoy Keith Kellogg claimed a peace deal is "really close," contingent on Russia's cooperation regarding Ukraine's post-war army size and Donbas control. European leaders seek greater involvement after pushing back against initial US-led plans favoring Russia. Putin rejected revisions, threatening to take Donbas by force if Ukraine doesn't cede the 85%-Russian-controlled region. Russia launched massive weekend bombardments of 653 drones and 51 missiles as diplomatic efforts intensify.(PC: Reuters & Al Jazeera)