Hyderabad-born model Bhavitha Mandava, 25, created a global splash by opening Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show in New York, marking one of the biggest milestones of her modelling journey. Now pursuing a master’s degree in assistive technology at NYU, Bhavitha was discovered on a New York subway just two weeks before the show. She had earlier walked for Bottega Veneta under creative director Matthieu Blazy. A heartfelt video of her parents’ emotional reaction to her achievement has since gone viral, celebrating her rise from a student to a breakout star on the international fashion runway. 

Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has joined AI startup Perplexity as an investor and brand ambassador. He also unveiled a custom AI assistant called “Ronaldo Hub,” where fans can ask questions, browse his personal archive, and relive his greatest goals. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas welcomed Ronaldo, saying their partnership will make Perplexity “the best AI for asking questions.” With over 650 million social media followers, Ronaldo brings huge global reach to the AI firm. (PC: ETtech)

Diwali is poised to be added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list during the 22nd session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, beginning December 8 in New Delhi. The decision, following the evaluation of India’s nomination, is expected on December 10. India already has 15 cultural elements on the list, including Durga Puja, Garba, Kumbh Mela and Yoga. India will host the committee session for the first time at the historic Red Fort, where over 1,000 delegates from 180+ countries will discuss safeguarding reports, best practices, international assistance, and innovative approaches to preserving living heritage. (PC: PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin departed from Palam Technical Airport Friday after his two-day India visit, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeing him off. Putin praised India as "one of the fastest growing economies in the world," noting GDP has "almost doubled" over the past decade and purchasing power increased 2.5 times. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated India emphasized the need to reform the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities and discussed collaboration in mutual forums. Putin addressed the India-Russia Business Forum, underscoring growing economic partnership. The visit, at PM Modi's invitation, included the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held December 4-5, marking Putin's first trip since 2021.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's 24-hour India visit delivered limited tangible outcomes despite high-profile optics. Major agreements included mobility pacts, health cooperation, maritime deals, and urea manufacturing, with a $100 billion trade target by 2030. However, no significant progress occurred on energy ties or defense cooperation the relationship's main pillars. India declined Russia's offers of Su-57E stealth fighters and S-500 systems, focusing instead on expediting remaining S-400 deliveries from the 2018 deal. India has reduced Russian oil purchases since October 2025, and days before Putin's visit, signed a $946 million deal for 24 US Seahawk helicopters. Modi called their friendship a "guiding star" but emphasized India stands firmly on the side of peace regarding Ukraine.

A viral video shows a distraught father confronting IndiGo staff at Delhi Airport, desperately demanding sanitary pads for his bleeding daughter amid the airline's fourth consecutive day of operational chaos. IndiGo cancelled all domestic flights from Delhi till midnight, with over 500 flights cancelled nationwide due to pilot shortages from planning deficiencies. The airline's punctuality has plummeted, affecting its 2,300 daily flights across 400+ aircraft. News18 couldn't independently verify the video's authenticity. The Union Government ordered a high-level inquiry into the disruptions, directing the Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate accountability and recommend preventive measures. Thousands of passengers face severe stress, non-cooperative staff, and unclear communication.

India's junior men's hockey team defeated Belgium 2-2 (4-3) in a thrilling penalty shootout quarter-final at the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in Chennai. Goalkeeper Princedeep Singh was Player-of-the-Match with crucial saves reminiscent of coach PR Sreejesh's style. Captain Rohit equalized in the 45th minute, while Sharda Nand Tiwari put India ahead 2-1 before Belgium's Nathan Rogge forced the shootout. Tiwari scored thrice in the shootout; Ankit Pal netted the winner. India faces seven-time defending champions Germany in Sunday's semi-final. Meanwhile, India's junior women's team dominated Ireland 4-0 in Pool C, with Purnima Yadav scoring twice. India awaits Saturday's results to confirm quarter-final qualification. (PC: HT) 

Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif government appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country's first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for five years, making him the most powerful military figure. The position grants Munir oversight of Pakistan's nuclear weapons through the National Strategic Command, control over all three service branches, and lifelong legal immunity equivalent to the president. He simultaneously holds Chief of Army Staff, becoming the first officer in Pakistan's 78-year history with both positions and Field Marshal rank. The 27th Constitutional Amendment centralized military command, reduced government oversight, and gave the CDF power to recommend Vice Chief appointments. Pakistan has historically alternated between civilian and military rule since 1947. (PC: Gulf News)

US President Donald Trump received FIFA's newly created peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, recognizing "individuals who unite people and bring hope." FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award, calling Trump a leader "who cares about the people." Trump, wearing a gold medal and holding a globe-shaped trophy, called it "one of the great honours of my life." He thanked family, including First Lady Melania, Canadian PM Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Infantino previously suggested Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for Gaza ceasefire brokering. This year's Nobel went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who partially dedicated it to Trump.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry made their first joint political appearance in Japan, meeting former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko, on December 3. Kishida shared photos on X, referring to Perry as Trudeau’s “partner,” and praised their longstanding friendship built during Trudeau’s premiership. Trudeau echoed the sentiment, thanking Kishida for his commitment to global cooperation. Perry, who recently ended her engagement to Orlando Bloom, joined Trudeau after months of being spotted together, including her birthday celebration in Paris. This marks Perry’s debut in a political capacity alongside Trudeau. Sources say the couple is growing serious, planning holidays together, as Perry concludes her Lifetimes Tour in Abu Dhabi.