Michael Rubin — former U.S. Pentagon official — has argued that Trump merits the Nobel Peace Prize for the recent diplomatic realignment between India and Russia, following the high‑profile visit of Vladimir Putin to New Delhi. Rubin claimed that from Russia’s viewpoint, the visit and the honours extended to Putin were unprecedented, and that Trump’s policies helped shape that outcome. He also criticized U.S. criticism of India’s continuing energy and strategic ties with Russia — calling Washington’s stance “hypocritical.” Rubin’s remarks have stirred debate, as many analysts question whether diplomatic proximity alone should merit a Peace Prize. (PC: X)

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana made her first Instagram appearance following the postponement of her wedding to composer Palash Muchhal, initially scheduled for November 23. In a promotional video for a toothpaste brand, fans quickly noticed she was not wearing her engagement ring, triggering widespread speculation about the timing of the ad and her engagement status. Mandhana’s post has gone viral, with supporters expressing curiosity and concern. The wedding delay was reportedly due to health emergencies in both families. Her return to social media marks her first public engagement update since the postponement. (PC: X)

At their December 5 summit in New Delhi, Vladimir Putin assured Narendra Modi of “uninterrupted shipments” of fuel from Russia, reinforcing their energy cooperation despite mounting U.S. sanctions. The leaders also unveiled a broad economic cooperation programme through 2030, targeting $100 billion in bilateral trade. Modi emphasized that energy security remains a “strong and important pillar” of their partnership. While Modi reiterated India’s appeal for peace on Ukraine, he avoided directly condemning Moscow. (PC: AFP)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center placed Mexico in Group A, Canada in Group B, and USA in Group D. Defending champions Argentina were placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, opening their campaign against Algeria. France landed in a tough Group I with Senegal, Norway, and a play-off winner, creating a “group of death” scenario. England will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L. At the ceremony, Donald Trump received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize. (PC: X)

Hyderabad-born model Bhavitha Mandava, 25, created a global splash by opening Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show in New York, marking one of the biggest milestones of her modelling journey. Now pursuing a master’s degree in assistive technology at NYU, Bhavitha was discovered on a New York subway just two weeks before the show. She had earlier walked for Bottega Veneta under creative director Matthieu Blazy. A heartfelt video of her parents’ emotional reaction to her achievement has since gone viral, celebrating her rise from a student to a breakout star on the international fashion runway. 

Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has joined AI startup Perplexity as an investor and brand ambassador. He also unveiled a custom AI assistant called “Ronaldo Hub,” where fans can ask questions, browse his personal archive, and relive his greatest goals. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas welcomed Ronaldo, saying their partnership will make Perplexity “the best AI for asking questions.” With over 650 million social media followers, Ronaldo brings huge global reach to the AI firm. (PC: ETtech)

Diwali is poised to be added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list during the 22nd session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, beginning December 8 in New Delhi. The decision, following the evaluation of India’s nomination, is expected on December 10. India already has 15 cultural elements on the list, including Durga Puja, Garba, Kumbh Mela and Yoga. India will host the committee session for the first time at the historic Red Fort, where over 1,000 delegates from 180+ countries will discuss safeguarding reports, best practices, international assistance, and innovative approaches to preserving living heritage. (PC: PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from Palam Technical Airport Friday after his two-day India visit, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeing him off. Putin praised India as "one of the fastest growing economies in the world," noting GDP has "almost doubled" over the past decade and purchasing power increased 2.5 times. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated India emphasized the need to reform the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities and discussed collaboration in mutual forums. Putin addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, underscoring growing economic partnership. The visit, at PM Modi's invitation, included the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held December 4-5, marking Putin's first trip since 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's 24-hour India visit delivered limited tangible outcomes despite high-profile optics. Major agreements included mobility pacts, health cooperation, maritime deals, and urea manufacturing, with a $100 billion trade target by 2030. However, no significant progress occurred on energy ties or defense cooperation the relationship's main pillars. India declined Russia's offers of Su-57E stealth fighters and S-500 systems, focusing instead on expediting remaining S-400 deliveries from the 2018 deal. India has reduced Russian oil purchases since October 2025, and days before Putin's visit, signed a $946 million deal for 24 US Seahawk helicopters. Modi called their friendship a "guiding star" but emphasized India stands firmly on the side of peace regarding Ukraine.

A viral video shows a distraught father confronting IndiGo staff at Delhi Airport, desperately demanding sanitary pads for his bleeding daughter amid the airline's fourth consecutive day of operational chaos. IndiGo cancelled all domestic flights from Delhi till midnight, with over 500 flights cancelled nationwide due to pilot shortages from planning deficiencies. The airline's punctuality has plummeted, affecting its 2,300 daily flights across 400+ aircraft. News18 couldn't independently verify the video's authenticity. The Union Government ordered a high-level inquiry into the disruptions, directing the Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate accountability and recommend preventive measures. Thousands of passengers face severe stress, non-cooperative staff, and unclear communication.