A quirky incident on an IndiGo Bengaluru–Vadodara flight went viral after a pigeon entered the aircraft moments before take-off, startling passengers already frustrated by the airline’s ongoing crisis. Videos show travellers laughing and recording as the bird flew around the cabin while crew members attempted to guide it out safely. The episode comes at a tense time for IndiGo, which has canceled over 450 flights this week due to a severe cockpit crew shortage following revised pilot rest rules. While the pigeon was eventually removed, the moment added unexpected humour to an otherwise difficult travel situation for many.

The Kremlin said on Monday that India will continue purchasing oil from Russia as long as it is “profitable,” emphasizing New Delhi’s sovereign right to choose energy suppliers. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing its continued Russian oil imports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that India’s energy decisions are driven by its economic interests, and that in recent talks, Moscow reiterated it can guarantee “uninterrupted” oil supplies. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting leaders from the UK, France and Germany in London as the U.S., under former President Donald Trump, pushes a peace proposal that critics say favours Russia. Zelenskyy described recent U.S.–Ukraine talks as “constructive, although not easy.” The biggest sticking point remains territorial concessions, especially over Donbas, with Russia’s control at the centre of the dispute. Trump claimed Zelenskyy “hasn’t yet read the proposal,” raising tension in the negotiations. (PC: AP)

Two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of the Goa nightclub where 25 people died in a massive fire, allegedly fled to Phuket, Thailand, just hours after the incident, police said. A look-out circular has been issued, and Goa Police are coordinating with INTERPOL and the CBI for their return. The FIR highlights major safety violations, including no fire-safety equipment, inadequate emergency exits, and missing mandatory licences, which may have contributed to the high casualties. Authorities continue the investigation while rescue teams identify victims and assess the cause of the blaze. (PC: X)

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi accused PM Modi of selectively quoting Jawaharlal Nehru's 1937 letter to Subhash Chandra Bose during the Lok Sabha Vande Mataram debate. She stated "communalists manufactured" objections to remaining stanzas, which Modi omitted. Earlier, Modi claimed Nehru accepted Jinnah's sentiments, suggesting Vande Mataram's Anandamath association could instigate Muslims. Priyanka noted only two stanzas were adopted in the assembly where Ambedkar and RSS leader Shyama Prasad Mukherjee were present, questioning why they didn't object then. She challenged the government to list Nehru's "blunders" for parliamentary debate. Speaker Om Birla opened discussions commemorating Vande Mataram's 150-year journey as India's timeless symbol of national resolve.

Ukrainian President Zelensky met UK Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Merz at Downing Street to discuss the latest Ukraine peace plan drafted during US-Ukraine talks in Florida. Starmer emphasized standing with Ukraine, stating any ceasefire must be "just and lasting." Zelensky stressed unity between Europe, Ukraine, and the US is crucial for negotiations. Trump claimed Zelensky's negotiators "love" the plan but expressed disappointment that Zelensky hadn't read it. German Chancellor Merz voiced skepticism about details from US documents. Meanwhile, Russian attacks continue as seven injured in Zaporizhzhia, one killed in Dnipropetrovsk drone strikes. Residents described windows blown out and "terrible horror" from aerial assaults.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces mounting pressure after the Reds' recent poor form, but reports confirm he'll remain in charge for the upcoming Champions League clash against Inter Milan. The hierarchy hasn't considered replacing him yet, though they demand results. Liverpool sits ninth in Premier League standings with six defeats from 15 fixtures after conceding a 2-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Leeds United. Mohamed Salah expressed deep disappointment after being benched for the third time, stating he feels the club has "thrown me under the bus." Reports suggest Liverpool is eyeing Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner as a potential replacement if Slot is sacked. (PC: Reuters)

Paramount Skydance launched a hostile $108.4 billion all-cash bid for Warner Bros Discovery, disrupting Netflix's tentative $72 billion equity agreement secured Friday after weeks of bidding battles with Paramount and Comcast. Paramount's $82.7 billion offer including debt with a $5.8 billion break-up fee payable by Netflix,  proposes $30 per share versus Netflix's $28 per share for assets. The deal faces intense antitrust scrutiny. Paramount accused Warner Bros of abandoning fair bidding, allegedly predetermining Netflix as winner. President Trump indicated the Netflix-Warner Bros combination raises market share concerns, telling reporters he'd have input. Bloomberg reported Trump met Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos mid-November, suggesting Warner Bros sell to the highest bidder. (PC: YouTube, Variety & Spyglass)

A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Japan's Hokkaido region on Monday evening at 7:45 PM local time, prompting tsunami warnings for coastal areas. The USGS reported the epicenter near 41°N latitude and 142.3°E longitude, originating 32 miles deep off Hokkaido's coast. Previously, a 6.9 magnitude quake hit Iwate prefecture on November 9, triggering tsunami advisories with waves reaching 10-20 centimeters in Ofunato, Miyako, Kamaishi, Ominato, and Kuji. Initial forecasts warned of 3-meter waves, later reduced to 1 meter. Advisories were lifted three hours later, though officials cautioned about week-long aftershocks. No immediate injuries, major damage, or nuclear plant issues reported. Japan remains highly earthquake-prone along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Indian chef Vijay Kumar received the 'Talent Of The Year' award from France-based La Liste 2026, joining only six "promising chefs" globally honored with this accolade. Hailing from a small Tamil Nadu village, Kumar leads Semma, a Michelin-starred New York restaurant serving authentic South Indian cuisine with uncompromised bold flavors. Under his leadership, Semma earned its first Michelin star in 2022 and has retained it since. Earlier this year, The New York Times ranked it the No.1 restaurant in New York. Kumar was also named Best Chef in New York State for 2025 by the James Beard Awards, one of America's most prestigious culinary honors, cementing his status among global culinary elite.