A United Nations wildlife trade body, CITES, has decided not to restrict India from importing endangered species, overturning an earlier recommendation to curb such imports following an investigation into the Ambani-run Vantara Zoo. Concerns were raised by Germany and the EU after discrepancies emerged in trade data, and questions were raised about the origins of some animals. Several countries including India, the U.S., Japan, and Brazil opposed the ban, calling it premature and unsupported by strong evidence, prompting CITES to revoke the stricter measure. (PC: X)

At the Dubai Air Show, the Russian Knights aerobatic team paid a moving tribute to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force pilot who died when his Tejas jet crashed during a demonstration. A Russian pilot shared a heartfelt message, calling the moments after the tragedy “difficult to describe,” and said their performance was flown “in memory of our brothers who did not return.” The gesture underlines deep camaraderie among aviators even across national boundaries.

South Africa has refused to hand over its G20 presidency to the U.S. chargé d’affaires, arguing that the role merits a senior-level envoy. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said Washington may send “anyone at the right level” — such as a head of state, minister, or specially appointed envoy — but not a junior diplomat. Pretoria views the handover as a high-protocol event and sees the U.S. proposal as a diplomatic slight. (PC: Reuters)

Smriti Mandhana’s wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal was postponed on Sunday after her father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a heart attack. The incident happened during the wedding preparations at the Mandhana Farm House in Sangli. He was taken to a private hospital and is now stable and under observation. Smriti and her family rushed to the hospital soon after. The wedding team confirmed that all functions have been called off for now. Decorations at the venue are being removed, and a new date has not been decided. The family has requested privacy as they focus on his recovery.

Bengaluru police have arrested the seventh accused in the ₹7.11 crore ATM-van robbery, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to seven. The new suspect is related to one of the earlier detainees. During the kidnapping-like operation on November 19, the robbers impersonated Income Tax and RBI officials to intercept a CMS-operated cash van. Authorities have so far recovered ₹6.29 crore of the stolen amount. Multiple investigation teams, including 200 personnel, are working to track down the remaining culprits. (PC: The Hindu)

The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal reached his native village in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. The Indian Air Force pilot died on November 21 when the Tejas fighter jet he was flying at the Dubai Air Show lost control and crashed. His body arrived at Kangra airport and was taken to his village, Patiyalkar, for the final rites. Before this, his remains were kept at Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu, where tributes were paid by officials and IAF personnel. Syal, 34, was a skilled pilot and a former Sainik School student. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.

A study in Bihar found small amounts of uranium in breastmilk samples from 40 mothers. This raised concern among families. But senior nuclear scientist Dr Dinesh K Aswal has said the levels are safe and far below the World Health Organization limit. He told NDTV that there is no health risk for mothers or infants. Another expert, Dr Ashok Sharma of AIIMS, also said the impact is likely very low. Scientists say breastfeeding should continue, as its benefits are much greater. Tiny amounts of uranium are common in soil and water. Experts have urged calm and clear public communication. (PC: NDTV)

Smriti Mandhana’s sangeet night turned special when the Indian women’s cricket team performed a warm and emotional dance to the song Tera Yaar Hoon Main. The team came together on stage to celebrate Smriti’s big day, creating one of the most loved moments of the pre-wedding events. The sangeet ceremony also saw Smriti and Palaash Muchhal perform on Tenu Le Ke Main Jawanga, winning hearts online. Guests from the cricket and music worlds were present as the couple continued their wedding celebrations with mehendi, haldi, and sangeet ceremonies. Videos from the event have gone viral across social media.

Mossad says it has broken up a major Hamas terror network operating in Europe. The agency claims the group planned attacks in countries such as Germany and Austria on orders from senior Hamas leaders. Several operatives were arrested, and hidden weapons, including handguns and explosives, were found in Vienna. Mossad says the weapons belonged to Muhammad Na’im, son of senior Hamas official Basem Na’im. The agency also claims Hamas leaders in Turkey and Qatar were involved in guiding these plots. Investigations are still on, and officials say the network aimed to target Israeli and Jewish civilians once instructed to act. (PC: India Today)

The first-ever memorial for the Bengal Famine of 1943 was held at the Manchester Museum in the UK. The event was organised by the University of Manchester’s History Department with support from the Imperial War Museum North. Nearly 100 people attended. Speakers recalled how the famine killed about three million people, yet has no official memorial in India or South Asia. Historian Partha Mitter shared childhood memories of starving families in Kolkata. Journalist Kavita Puri asked why such a major tragedy has never been formally remembered. The memorial aimed to honour victims and highlight this long-ignored chapter of history. (PC: X)