The UN’s nuclear watchdog says the protective shield over Chernobyl’s Reactor 4 can no longer do its main safety job. Inspectors found the structure lost its “primary safety functions” after a drone strike in February. Ukraine blames Russia, but Moscow denies the attack. The IAEA says repairs are urgently needed to stop further damage. Experts say the risk to the public is low because radioactive dust remains inside the older concrete sarcophagus. The shield was built to last 100 years after the 1986 disaster. The IAEA is also checking other key power sites as Russia continues new airstrikes. (PC: BBC)

Russia has praised Donald Trump’s new US National Security Strategy. Moscow says the plan matches many of its own goals. The 33-page report uses softer language on Russia and does not list it as a main threat. It warns that Europe faces “civilisational erasure” and says the EU is blocking peace efforts in the Ukraine war. EU leaders say the document raises “questions” and fear it may weaken support against Russia. Some US lawmakers also criticise the strategy. They warn it could harm long-standing alliances. Russia says it will study the plan further before making final comments. (PC: BBC)

Music composer Palash Muchhal and cricketer Smriti Mandhana have officially called off their wedding. Both shared separate statements on Instagram, asking for privacy. The couple had postponed their November wedding after Smriti’s father fell ill and Palash was also hospitalised a day later. Rumours of cheating spread online, but Palash called them “baseless” and said this was the hardest phase of his life. Smriti said she wanted to end the speculation and focus on her cricket career. After their statements, both unfollowed each other on Instagram. Smriti also deleted all wedding-related photos, while Palash kept their proposal video. (PC: HT)

Police have filed an FIR against the owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa after a massive fire killed 25 people. The case names owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the manager, and the event organisers. The sarpanch of the Arpora–Nagoa panchayat, Roshan Redkar, has also been detained. The Goa government announced compensation for the victims and ordered a magisterial probe. Officials said the club lacked key safety permits. The fire started shortly after midnight during a crowded event. Opposition parties blamed the government for allowing the club to operate without clearances and demanded action against officials. (PC: India Today)

Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have gone Instagram official, ending months of speculation about their relationship. Perry shared photos and videos from their trip to Japan, including a selfie with Trudeau and a clip of the pair trying sushi. Trudeau also reposted a photo of them with Japan’s former prime minister Fumio Kishida and his wife. The pair were first photographed holding hands in Paris last month, which sparked strong dating rumours. Neither has publicly confirmed the relationship, but their posts suggest they are now open about it. Both recently ended long-term relationships. (PC: BBC)

On 8 December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open a significant parliamentary debate in the Lok Sabha to mark the 150-year anniversary of India’s national song, Vande Mataram. The session is scheduled to begin at noon and will run for approximately ten hours, giving members across the political spectrum an opportunity to participate. Key cabinet ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, are expected to deliver remarks. The decision comes after an all-party meeting that also approved a separate debate on electoral reforms for December 9 and 10, signalling a broader focus on national heritage and governance reforms. (PC: PTI)

Police are investigating a major incident at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 after several people were sprayed with what is believed to be pepper spray. The attack happened in a multi-storey car park around 8:11am. Armed officers reached the scene and arrested one man on suspicion of assault. Police say more suspects are being traced. London Ambulance Service treated 21 people, with five taken to hospital. Their injuries are not life-threatening. Officials believe the attack began after an argument between people who knew each other. The incident is not being treated as terrorism. Terminal 3 remains open, but travel delays continue. (PC: Sky News)

A video from Arpora’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub shows a performer dancing to the Sholay hit “Mehbooba o Mehbooba” just minutes before a massive fire erupted during a Bollywood-themed night. The blaze, believed to have started near the DJ console, quickly spread across the ceiling as around 100 people were inside. At least 25 people died and several others were injured, many from suffocation after rushing to the lower level to escape. Narrow access routes slowed rescue efforts. Authorities have filed an FIR, launched an inquiry, and issued arrest warrants against the club’s management.

Smriti Mandhana has confirmed that her wedding to Palash Muchhal has been cancelled, ending a two-week period of rumours and confusion. The couple, who began dating in 2019, had planned to marry on November 23. Their engagement took place at DY Patil Stadium after India’s World Cup win. But the wedding was first postponed when Mandhana’s father was hospitalised, followed by Palash’s sudden hospitalisation the next day. Fans were shocked as videos earlier showed celebrations underway. On December 7, Mandhana issued a statement asking for privacy and said it was time to “move forward” and focus on cricket again. (PC: X)

IndiGo has processed ₹610 crore in passenger refunds following nearly a week of severe nationwide flight disruptions that stranded thousands across major airports. The airline has significantly ramped up operations and now expects its full schedule to stabilise by December 10. The crisis prompted sharp political criticism over mismanagement and raised questions about aviation sector oversight. Meanwhile, the DGCA has issued notices to IndiGo’s top management, seeking explanations for operational lapses under the revised crew-duty norms. The Civil Aviation Ministry has directed the airline to ensure transparent communication, timely refunds, and stricter compliance to prevent future disruptions. (PC: India Today)