Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha, a three-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh, has become the youngest chess player to earn an official FIDE rating. Born in 2022, he received a rapid rating of 1572, well above the minimum 1400. Sarwagya won five of the eight rated games he played, defeating opponents much older than him. He began playing chess at two-and-a-half and now spends four to five hours a day practising, plus coaching sessions and video lessons. His father said the boy learned quickly and showed strong focus. Chess players and fans online have praised his achievement, calling it “incredible.” (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is finishing a 20-point peace plan and will present it to the United States “in the near future.” He said the plan aims to set clear terms for ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine and the US will hold more talks today on postwar rebuilding and economic support. He said the discussions are part of joint work with President Trump’s team and European partners. Zelenskyy also noted that a virtual meeting of the “coalition of the willing” will follow. He said Ukraine is working to ensure long-term security and prevent future aggression. (PC: Reuters)

The US plans to make tourists from about 40 visa-waiver countries share their social media history from the past five years. A notice from the Department of Homeland Security says social media will become a mandatory part of visa screening. Travellers may also need to give old phone numbers, email addresses, and family details. The rule will not apply to Indians under the visa-waiver system, but similar checks already affect many Indian visa applicants. The move is part of the Trump administration’s push for tighter digital screening. Officials say the goal is to improve security and prevent visa misuse. 

Smriti Mandhana made her first public appearance after calling off her wedding. She said she “doesn’t love anything in life more than cricket” while speaking at an event with captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana recently helped India win the Women’s World Cup and has now been named vice-captain for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. She said wearing the India jersey makes her forget all personal problems. “You have a responsibility when India is written on it,” she said. Mandhana also said team disagreements are normal and show passion. She and composer Palash Muchhal cancelled their wedding on December 7.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Netanyahu called Modi to discuss ways to strengthen the India-Israel strategic partnership. Both leaders said they are happy with the current progress in ties between the two nations. They also repeated their shared zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. According to an official statement, Modi and Netanyahu agreed to keep working together for security and mutual benefit. The conversation highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Israel in defence, technology, and other key areas. (PC: Reuters)

The United States said India has given its “best offer ever” in the current trade talks. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called India a “tough nut to crack” but also “forward-leaning”. A US team led by Deputy USTR Rick Switzer is in New Delhi for negotiations on farm goods and other products. Greer said India’s new proposals look promising as the US tries to expand its export markets. He added that the US will keep trade ties with China as well. Another US official, Allison Hooker, met India’s foreign secretary to push progress on the broader strategic partnership. (PC: AP)

One of the main witnesses in the Sandeshkhali violence case, Bholanath Ghosh, was critically injured when a speeding truck collided with his car on the Basanti Highway near Basirhat, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Ghosh’s younger son, Satyajit Ghosh (32), and their driver, Sahanur Molla (27), died on the spot after the collision. Eyewitnesses said the truck rammed the car head‑on, dragged it several metres, and dumped it in a nearby water body; the truck driver fled the scene. The family suspects foul play, alleging the crash was orchestrated to silence Ghosh ahead of his court appearance in ongoing cases against jailed TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. (PC: ANI)

Italy has become the first country ever to receive legacy status for its entire national cuisine — not just a dish or region, but the full spectrum of Italian cooking — from UNESCO. The decision, announced at a UNESCO assembly in New Delhi, celebrates Italian food — from pasta and pizza to tiramisu and regional dishes — as more than just meals, but as a living cultural tradition that binds families and communities. The bid, initiated in 2023 and championed by the government, emphasised that Italian cuisine is a cultural fabric weaving together social rituals, regional diversity, respect for ingredients and inter‑generational knowledge. Officials say the recognition strengthens Italy’s cultural identity globally and may provide an economic boost by promoting tourism and safeguarding its gastronomic heritage. (PC: Reuters)

Four young men in Herat, Afghanistan were detained after being seen wearing outfits inspired by the British series Peaky Blinders — trench coats, flat caps, and vintage-style suits — which had made them local internet sensations. The country’s “Morality Police,” under the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, accused them of “promoting foreign culture” contrary to Afghan and Islamic values. While initial reports said the men were sent to a rehabilitation program, the ministry later clarified that they were “summoned, advised and released.” One detainee, reportedly with a large online following, apologized — saying he had “unknowingly spread things against Sharia” and promised to stop.

The Delhi High Court (HC) raised serious concerns over the IndiGo flight cancellations, asking how airfares for some routes skyrocketed to ₹39,000. While acknowledging the corrective measures taken by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the court questioned why the situation was allowed to escalate to such an extent, causing immense inconvenience to thousands of stranded passengers. The HC emphasized the need for stricter oversight and accountability from both airlines and regulators. Authorities were directed to ensure normal operations resume promptly and submit a report on the inquiry into the crisis. (PC: HT Photo)