Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol unveiled a bronze statue of their iconic DDLJ characters Raj and Simran at London's Leicester Square, celebrating the film's 30th anniversary. SRK shared the moment on Instagram with his famous dialogue: "Bade Bade Deshon Mein, Aisi Chhoti Chhoti Baatein Hoti Rehti Hain, Senorita!" DDLJ becomes the first Indian film honored with a statue in Leicester Square's "Scenes in the Square" trail, joining characters like Harry Potter and Batman. Kajol's children Nysa and Yug attended, dressed reminiscent of their parents' costumes from the film's "Tujhe Dekha Toh" song. SRK wore a cowbell-inspired brooch, referencing the film's iconic Swiss romance symbol.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Bhagavad Gita translated into Russian, symbolizing India's soft-power diplomacy and cultural friendship beyond security deals. Putin emphasized their partnership isn't anti-Western, stating neither leader works "against someone" despite external pressure. He questioned G7's significance, noting India ranks third globally by purchasing power parity. Delhi Traffic Police implemented sweeping restrictions from 9 AM to noon Friday across central Delhi corridors including ITO, Rajghat, and Hanuman Setu due to security protocols. Former diplomat Rajiv Bhatia called this Putin's first visit since Ukraine invasion "very important," highlighting economic dimensions, defense deals, rupee-ruble mechanisms, and India's balancing act between Moscow and Western partnerships.

IndiGo cancelled a record-breaking 550 flights Thursday, marking unprecedented disruptions for the 20-year-old airline as operational chaos entered its third day. The airline's on-time performance plummeted to 19.7% Wednesday from 35% Tuesday. CEO Pieter Elbers acknowledged normalizing operations won't be an "easy target." Major cancellations hit Mumbai (118 flights), Bangalore (100), Hyderabad (75), Kolkata (35), Chennai (26), and Goa (11). IndiGo admitted misjudging crew requirements under new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) Phase 2 norms implemented November 1, alongside cabin crew shortages and technology issues. The Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA met with IndiGo officials today. More cancellations expected over the next two-three days from India's largest carrier operating 2,300 daily flights.

Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that India-Russia energy cooperation remains unaffected by Western sanctions, dismissing US and EU pressure as politically motivated rather than market-driven. In an exclusive India Today interview, Putin emphasized their hydrocarbon partnership predates the Ukraine conflict, citing Rosneft's $20 billion investment in Nayara Energy as proof of long-standing commercial trust. He noted India has become a major refined product supplier to Europe through this partnership, suggesting "certain actors" dislike India's growing global energy market influence. Putin credited his personal rapport with PM Modi for maintaining stability despite external pressure. He reaffirmed Russia will continue supplying India uninterrupted, viewing their energy relationship as long-term and anchored in shared economic interests.

Delhi Police imposed major traffic restrictions across key routes on Friday, December 5, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit. Affected areas include ITO Chowk, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi Gate, Rajghat Crossing, and Kashmere Gate, with restrictions from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Strict parking prohibitions apply to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, JLN Marg, Ring Road (Hanuman Setu to Shanti Van), and IP Flyover to Pragati Maidan Tunnel illegally parked vehicles will be towed and prosecuted. Additional time-slot restrictions apply from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on routes including Mother Teresa Crescent, Teen Murti Marg, and Akbar Road. Authorities recommend alternative routes via Vande Matram Marg, Maulana Azad Road, and DDU Marg.(PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin, hailing their "time-tested" friendship during Putin's first India visit since the Ukraine war began. Modi's unexpected airport reception not informed to Russia in advance underscored strong bilateral ties, with the Kremlin calling it a reflection of the partnership's strength. Putin praised Modi as a leader who "does not bow to pressure" from any country. The two-day visit includes the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, focusing on defense cooperation (S-400 deliveries, co-production), energy deals, trade expansion, and fisheries collaboration. India and Russia also discussed expanding bilateral trade in fisheries, meat, and dairy products ahead of formal talks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a private dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, which was specially decorated with India-Russia flags and lighting. The intimate gathering followed Putin's arrival in New Delhi for a two-day state visit, with both leaders traveling together from the airport in the same car. Modi's rare gesture of receiving Putin at the tarmac demonstrated the strong friendship between the two nations and their personal camaraderie. The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm about his upcoming interactions with Putin throughout the evening and Friday's scheduled meetings, which will include the India-Russia Summit and discussions on bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

The U.S. Department of Labor declared "American Jobs are for American workers" amid ongoing H-1B visa controversy. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified President Trump holds a "nuanced opinion" on the program, stating he opposes replacing American workers and wants manufacturing industry revitalization. Trump recently raised H-1B visa fees to $100,000 sixty times the previous cost claiming visas were "abused" to undercut wages and outsource IT jobs. However, Trump appears to be softening his stance, telling Fox News that America needs "skilled immigrant workers" in key industries. Leavitt explained that while Trump wants American workers prioritized, he supports temporary foreign workers for establishing manufacturing facilities producing niche products like batteries. (PC: X)

 Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India's remarkable transformation in an exclusive interview, calling the country's 77-year progress since Independence "almost like a miracle." He specifically highlighted that India's life expectancy has nearly doubled during this period. The highly anticipated interview featured one of the world's longest-serving leaders, who has witnessed dramatic global changes including wars, economic recessions, nation disintegrations, and shifting world orders. Putin has navigated through multiple leadership transitions, from Boris Yeltsin to Donald Trump, and from Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Manmohan Singh to Narendra Modi. Throughout these turbulent times, he has steered Russia while establishing himself as a formidable force in global politics.

A new study by the Esya Centre surveying 1,063 people across ten cities reveals that 91% of Indians feel safer due to street dogs. The research shows a dramatic 90% decline in rabies deaths, dropping from 534 in 2004 to just 54 in 2024. Most respondents (73.5%) describe free-ranging dogs as friendly, with only 10.8% calling them aggressive. Additionally, 91.4% believe these dogs deter crime, while 52% say they enhance safety for women and children. The study notes 74% of feeders consider dog feeding a religious practice. Researchers recommend policy shifts away from removal-based approaches toward better sterilization programs, waste management, and community collaboration. (PC: The New York Times)