Luxury fashion house Prada has signed a landmark pact with Indian government‑linked bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR to bring traditional Kolhapuri chappals to the global fashion stage, blending centuries‑old artisan techniques with modern design. The “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” collection will be crafted in India by skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka and launched worldwide in February 2026 across Prada’s 40 retail outlets and online platforms. Supported by the Maharashtra government, the initiative aims to honour artisans, expand global recognition, and provide training, employment and new opportunities while preserving this GI‑tagged heritage craft. The collaboration follows criticism of a previous Prada collection that featured Kolhapuri‑inspired designs without proper credit, prompting the brand to work directly with local craftspeople. (PC: NDTV)

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has announced her return to competitive wrestling, reversing her retirement with a focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 31-year-old had retired after a controversial disqualification at the Paris Olympics, where she was 100 grams over the weight limit, losing a chance at a medal despite reaching the final. After an 18-month break, including childbirth, Phogat revealed she has rediscovered her passion and determination for wrestling. She plans to resume training and competition, aiming to fulfill her Olympic dream. Her comeback is a major boost for Indian wrestling. (PC: India Today)

Animal welfare activists in Mumbai will hold a peaceful rally on December 14 at Vikrant Circle, Ghatkopar, protesting the Supreme Court-approved SOPs for relocating stray dogs. Led by Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation, the protest highlights concerns that forced relocation uproots dogs from familiar territories, overcrowds shelters, and may increase human-animal conflicts. Activists argue the policy contradicts humane, community-based methods like sterilisation and vaccination. National animal rights groups and public figures support the rally, emphasizing coexistence over confinement, while organisers also hint at a political push for more animal-friendly policies. (PC: FPJ)

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) unveiled two new stands named after Indian cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on December 11, 2025, before the second T20I between India and South Africa. Harmanpreet’s stand celebrates her leadership in winning the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, while Yuvraj’s honours his role in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs and his iconic career. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann presided over the ceremony, which also saw cash rewards given to World Cup-winning teammates. 

Darjeeling’s historic Glenary’s bar has been ordered closed for 90 days by the West Bengal Excise Department after an inspection found five violations, including unauthorised live performances, improper liquor storage, inaccurate account keeping, and unapproved alterations to the premises — all breaches of excise rules. The bar closure affects the popular winter tourist spot just before the festive season, though Glenary’s restaurant, bakery and café remain open. Owner Ajoy Edwards has called the action politically motivated and plans to challenge it in the High Court. Locals and visitors expressed disappointment at the disruption during peak season. (PC: X)

Iceland has announced it will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, becoming the fifth country to withdraw after Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia in protest at the inclusion of Israel. Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV said participation would bring “neither joy nor peace” amid domestic debate and unresolved concerns raised with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The boycott intensifies a growing crisis for the contest after the EBU confirmed Israel’s participation despite political tensions linked to the war in Gaza and allegations of voting manipulation. Organizers maintain Eurovision should remain apolitical. (PC: Reuters)

More than 600 valuable artefacts, including objects linked to India’s colonial past, were stolen in a “high-value burglary” at a museum storage site in Bristol, UK on September 25. Items taken from the British Empire and Commonwealth collection include culturally significant pieces such as an ivory Buddha and a waist belt buckle of an East India Company officer, police said. Avon & Somerset Police released CCTV footage of four male suspects and appealed for public help to identify them and recover the artefacts, many of which were donated and historically important. (PC: X)

The United States seized the oil tanker Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, targeting a vessel tied to a “dark fleet” used to move sanctioned oil, in a significant escalation of pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, led by the US Coast Guard under a legal warrant, saw the sanctioned tanker bound for illegal crude transport taken toward a US port, with Washington saying it intends to seize its oil. Caracas condemned the action as “international piracy” and a violation of sovereignty. The move has strained tensions, prompted Russia to reaffirm support for Maduro, and may deter future shadow-fleet shipments. (PC: AFP)

Japan and the United States held coordinated joint military exercises over the Sea of Japan, with two U.S. B‑52 strategic bombers flying alongside Japanese F‑35 stealth fighters and F‑15 jets, Tokyo announced. The drills — aimed at strengthening alliance readiness — occurred against the backdrop of recent Chinese and Russian military activity, including joint bomber flights near Japan and South Korea. Japan’s Defence Ministry said the exercise reaffirmed both nations’ resolve to deter unilateral attempts to change the regional status quo by force. The show of force underscores heightened security concerns in the Indo‑Pacific amid escalating tensions with Beijing and Moscow. (PC: Reuters)

Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot, has been appointed to train the next generation of fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF). She made history in 2020 by becoming the first female pilot to fly the advanced Rafale jets, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication. In her new role, she will mentor and train upcoming fighter crews, sharing her operational expertise and experiences from frontline missions. This milestone highlights the growing presence and recognition of women in India’s defense forces, inspiring more women to pursue careers in aviation. (PC: Instagram)