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)

  A Mumbai visitor, Vaibhavi Chandel, has accused staff and security at Romeo Lane beach shack in Vagator, Goa, of rude behavior and physical assault during her November 1 visit. She claims the venue’s layout was “suffocating” with only one entry and exit, making it hard to leave late at night. According to her account, after a minor obstruction, staff and bouncers chased her group, blocked exits, and struck her relatives with rods. She also alleges being slapped and abused, prompting an FIR against the manager and security personnel. The owners’ names were initially included but later removed by police. (PC: X)  

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a fire killed 25 people, told a Delhi court they fear being “lynched in Goa” if they return amid public anger, citing social media death threats and demolition of their properties. The Rohini court rejected their transit anticipatory bail plea, noting the seriousness of the case. The brothers fled to Thailand hours after the blaze and are detained there; deportation proceedings are underway. (PC: ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a warm and engaging phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump amid ongoing India-U.S. trade negotiations, reviewing progress in their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussing regional and global developments. Modi stated that India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity, highlighting shared efforts to sustain momentum in trade discussions. The talks in New Delhi saw both sides aim to expand cooperation in technology, energy, defence and security. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said a deal will happen only if mutually beneficial, while U.S. officials acknowledged India’s strong offer. (PC: Reuters)

Senior Congress leader and ex-Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, early on Dec. 12, 2025, at the age of around 90, after a prolonged illness. Patil had a long political career, serving as Union Home Minister (2004–08), Lok Sabha Speaker (1991–96), Governor of Punjab & Administrator of Chandigarh (2010–15) and representing Latur in Parliament seven times. He was Home Minister during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, resigning in 2008 taking moral responsibility. Patil is remembered for his decades-long service in Indian politics and roles at the highest levels of government. (PC: INC)

At least nine people were killed and many others injured after a private bus carrying pilgrims plunged into a deep gorge on the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh during the night between Thursday and Friday. The bus was returning from a pilgrimage when the driver lost control on the winding road, possibly due to poor visibility and dense fog, causing it to veer off the road. Rescue operations were swiftly launched to save survivors and recover casualties. Several injured passengers have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and investigations are underway.   

The Centre told the Rajya Sabha that there is no official global country-wise air pollution ranking and widely cited international indices like the IQAir World Air Quality Report, WHO database, EPI and GBD are not conducted by any official authority. Countries, including India, set their own air quality standards based on local geography, environment, socio-economic factors and national circumstances. India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 pollutants, notified in 2009, are tailored to domestic needs. The government also conducts annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan to rank cities under the National Clean Air Programme. (PC: NDTV)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted overreliance on Abhishek Sharma cost India the 2nd T20I, as South Africa won by 51 runs to level the series 1-1. Chasing 214, India collapsed to 162 all-out in 19.1 overs after losing Shubman Gill (golden duck), Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar (5) early. Quinton de Kock's blazing 90 and Ottniel Baartman's 4-24 powered South Africa's victory. Suryakumar took responsibility, stating "Myself, Shubman, we could have given a good start because we can't rely on Abhishek all the time." He acknowledged Gill's struggles and emphasized other batters must step up. The third T20I is scheduled for Dharamsala on December 14.(PC: NDTV)

Mexico imposed tariffs of 5-50% on over 1,400 products from non-preferential trade partners including India, China, and Thailand, effective January 1, 2026. The move threatens India's $5.75 billion annual exports to Mexico, particularly $1 billion in automobile shipments from Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Nissan. Passenger vehicle duties rise from 20% to 50%. Engineering goods dominate India's exports at 61% ($3.5 billion), with automobiles comprising one-third. Mexico is India's third-largest car export market after South Africa and Saudi Arabia. FIEO called the timing "wrong" as exporters already struggle with 50% US tariffs. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers urged maintaining status quo in November.(PC: HT)