A massive blaze ripped through Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in North Goa around 11:45 pm on December 6, killing 25 people. While firefighters and rescue teams fought the blaze, the club’s owners booked flights to Phuket at 1:17 am and later flew out from Delhi around 5:30 am. Their passports have since been revoked and a Blue Corner notice issued for their apprehension. Meanwhile, a court denied their interim relief, and co-owner Ajay Gupta was arrested. (PC: Moneycontrol)

During a parliamentary debate on electoral reforms, Amit Shah accused the Congress of systemic “vote chori” (vote theft), alleging three historical episodes involving Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. He argued that the Congress’s successive election defeats stem from flawed leadership rather than faulty EVMs or voter-list issues. Shah defended the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as necessary to remove “infiltrators” from voter lists. He said EVMs had been used successfully under Congress rule in 2004 and 2009. (PC: Rediff)

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta has apologised for the week-long flight disruptions that began on December 3. He said the airline had “let customers down” but stressed that services are now back to normal. Mehta denied claims that IndiGo created the crisis to avoid new pilot rest rules, calling the charges “untrue.” He said the delays were caused by technical issues, bad weather, congestion, and changes in crew planning. IndiGo will bring in outside experts to study the failures. Mehta said the airline must work hard to win back public trust. IndiGo is now operating its full schedule.

The probe into the Goa nightclub fire, which killed at least 25 people on December 6, shows that owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra booked tickets to Thailand while the blaze was still being controlled. Records show they used MakeMyTrip at 1:17 AM and later took an IndiGo flight to Phuket at 5:30 AM. The brothers have sought transit anticipatory bail to avoid arrest on their return. Another owner, Ajay Gupta, has been detained, while co-owner Surinder Kumar Khosla is under an LOC. Police also found the brothers used a SIM card issued in a former driver’s name and that their luxury cars are missing. (PC: X)

Kerala has opened its first Gen Z post office at CMS College in Kottayam. It works as an extension of the Kottayam Head Post Office. The new facility is designed to attract young users. It offers digital services, QR code features, and modern design elements. The space also includes better seating, bright lighting, and updated counters. Officials say the aim is to make postal services more friendly and useful for students and young adults. The post office will help users access services faster and with more comfort. It is part of a plan to modernise post offices across the State. (PC: The Hindu)

The United States has proposed a new rule that may require foreign tourists to share their social media history from the past five years. The rule would apply to visitors from about 40 countries who travel to the US without a visa using the ESTA system. Officials say the move is to improve national security. The plan also asks for old phone numbers, email addresses, and details of family members. Digital rights groups warn it could harm privacy. Travel experts say the rule may slow down approvals and could reduce the number of people visiting the US. (PC: BBC)

The Goa government has formally requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to revoke the passports of nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, following the deadly fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora, which killed 25 people. The brothers left India soon after the incident, prompting the CBI to seek an Interpol Blue Corner notice. The MEA confirmed it is examining the request under the Passports Act of India. A Delhi court refused interim protection from arrest for the duo, while their lawyers argued they were only licensees, not owners, and uninvolved in daily operations. Meanwhile, Goa police have arrested five managers and staff members linked to the tragedy. (PC: NDTV)

Starting December 15, the US Department of State will expand its online presence review to all H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents, previously limited to student and exchange visitor visas. The review will scrutinize applicants’ social media, resumes, and online activity to ensure eligibility and security compliance. Many Indian applicants face rescheduled or delayed interviews, with some pushed into 2026. Inconsistencies between online profiles and visa applications may trigger additional scrutiny. The Embassy warns that arriving on old appointment dates will result in denial of entry. Experts caution delays could impact jobs, relocations, family reunifications, and school admissions for Indian professionals and dependents.

Smriti Mandhana opened up about her 12-year cricket journey in her first public appearance since calling off her marriage with musician Palash Mucchal. Speaking at the Amazon Smbhav Summit Wednesday, India's vice-captain declared, "I don't think I love anything more than cricket. Wearing that Indian jersey is the motivation that drives us." Reflecting on November's World Cup triumph, she called it "a reward for the battle we fought over years." The presence of veterans Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami at the final made emotions run high. "Seeing tears in their eyes made it feel like women's cricket itself was winning," she said, describing it as a victory for all.

Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author of the Shopaholic series, died peacefully Tuesday morning at age 55 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer diagnosed in 2022. Her family announced she spent her final days surrounded by "family, music, warmth, Christmas and joy." Kinsella's novels sold over 45 million copies in 60+ countries, translated into 40+ languages. Her first two Shopaholic books were adapted into the 2009 film starring Isla Fisher. She revealed her diagnosis publicly in April 2024, explaining she delayed sharing to protect her five children's privacy. Her most recent autobiographical work, What Does it Feel Like?, was published October 2024. She leaves behind husband Henry Wickham and five children.(PC: The New York Times)