US President Donald Trump has launched the “Trump Gold Card,” a new visa scheme for wealthy foreigners who pay at least $1 million. The card promises fast-tracked residency and a direct path to citizenship for qualified applicants. A $5 million “platinum” version with tax breaks will also be offered. Trump said the plan will help the US attract high-level talent. Critics say the scheme favours the rich, especially as the administration tightens other immigration rules and raises visa fees. The Gold Card requires a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee, and businesses sponsoring employees must pay $2 million. (PC: BBC)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, wanted in the Goa nightclub fire that killed 25 people, have been detained in Thailand. The first photos show the brothers in custody with their hands tied and passports in hand. They fled to Phuket hours after the fire at Birch by Romeo Lane in Arpora. They face charges of culpable homicide and negligence. Officials say the process to send them back to India has begun. The fire started during a musical event and spread fast due to flammable decor and lack of safety gear. Police have already arrested four staff members and a business partner. (PC: HT)

A car selfie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was displayed in the US Congress during a foreign policy hearing. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove used the image to warn that US actions are pushing India closer to Russia. She said the Trump administration’s pressure tactics are hurting long-term trust between Washington and New Delhi. The Congresswoman urged lawmakers to act fast to repair the relationship. The selfie was taken during Putin’s recent visit to Delhi, where he rode with Modi shortly after landing. Putin said the gesture was his idea and a symbol of friendship.

Italy’s cuisine has been added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, marking a major cultural win for the country. The UNESCO panel recognised Italian food as a social ritual that brings families and communities together. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the honour reflects Italy’s identity and long tradition of cooking. UNESCO praised the daily food customs, such as family lunches and recipes passed down through generations. The listing is expected to boost tourism and support small family-run restaurants facing economic pressure. Italy joins several nations whose food traditions have been recognised for their cultural importance. (PC; Al Jazeera)

Bangladesh is preparing for its first national election since Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024. The country has been run by an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The Election Commission will announce the poll date on Thursday at 6 pm local time. Earlier, the poll body said elections would be held in the first week of February 2026. A national referendum on the “July Charter”, a major reform plan to limit executive power and strengthen institutions, is also expected on the same day. The BNP is seen as the frontrunner, while the Awami League remains barred. (PC: X)

The World Inequality Report 2026 shows that income and wealth gaps in India remain very high. The top 10% earn 58% of the country’s total income, while the bottom 50% get only 15%. Wealth inequality is even sharper, with the richest 10% holding 65% of all wealth. The top 1% alone owns 40%. The report says India’s average income is low and female labour participation remains just 15.7%. Globally too, wealth is highly unequal, with the richest 0.001% owning more than the bottom half of the world. The report warns that rising inequality threatens social and climate goals.

A 25-year-old Indian-origin man named Vaibhav has been arrested in Canada for exposing himself to female doctors and clinic staff in Mississauga. Police say he visited several clinics for months in 2025, pretending to have medical problems to force inappropriate contact. He also used a fake name, Akashdeep Singh, during some visits. Peel Regional Police charged him with indecent acts, identity fraud, possession of identity documents, and identity theft. He was arrested on December 4 and is still in custody. Investigators believe more victims may exist and have asked the public to share any information about similar incidents. (PC: NDTV)

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, five days after a fire at their club killed 25 people. The brothers had flown to Thailand just hours after the blaze, which was caused by a suspected cylinder blast. Goa Police had issued a Look-Out Circular and an Interpol Blue Notice against them. A police team will now travel to Thailand to bring them back. The nightclub had major safety lapses, including no fire exits or alarms. Another co-owner, Ajay Gupta, was detained earlier in Delhi for questioning. (PC: India Today)

US forces have seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, President Donald Trump said. The ship was accused of carrying sanctioned oil linked to Venezuela and Iran. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the tanker had long been part of an illegal oil network supporting terrorist groups. A video showed US troops landing on the vessel from helicopters. Venezuela called the move “international piracy” and accused Washington of trying to steal its resources. Oil prices rose slightly after the news. The USS Gerald Ford and other US forces took part in the operation as tensions in the region grow.

The FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025 saw a thrilling turnaround as Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team overturned a 0–2 deficit to beat Argentina Junior Men’s Hockey Team 4–2 in the third‑place playoff in Chennai. Trailing until the fourth quarter, India scored four goals in just 11 minutes through Ankit Pal (49′), Manmeet Singh (52′), Shardanand Tiwari (57′) and Anmol Ekka (58′). This marks India’s first podium finish in the tournament in nine years. The win brings their total Junior World Cup medals to four — two golds, one silver, now bronze. (PC: PTI)