A shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, US, left 5 people dead, including the 15-year-old suspect, who was found dead at the scene. The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. on Monday. Five others were injured and taken to local hospitals. The school serves about 400 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes described the tragedy as a "sad day" for the community. This incident is part of a troubling rise in school shootings across the U.S., with 322 reported this year.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for the death of Russian general Igor Kirillov, who was in charge of Russia's nuclear troops. The 54-year-old was killed this morning when a bomb hidden in an electric scooter exploded outside an apartment building in Moscow. His assistant was also killed in the blast. The attack, reportedly triggered remotely, has been described as an embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine had opened a case against Kirillov for alleged chemical weapon use the day before his death. The incident is seen as a significant blow to Russia's military leadership.

India has reopened its embassy in North Korea, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic approach. After closing the embassy in 2021 due to COVID-19, New Delhi quietly resumed operations earlier this month. The embassy, which had been shut for over three years, is undergoing a thorough check and debugging process. North Korea's growing military capabilities and its strengthening ties with countries like Russia, China, and Iran make it strategically important for India. Reopening the embassy is seen as a step to enhance communication and safeguard India’s interests in the region.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized Congress in the Rajya Sabha, saying, “Congress didn’t prioritize the progress of OBCs during its tenure.” He also attacked Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, calling him a “coward” for opposing the government’s actions. Shah raised questions about the opposition blaming Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Maharashtra but not in Jharkhand, where they won. He also accused Jawaharlal Nehru of amending the Constitution to “curtail freedom of expression.” Shah praised India’s democracy, saying, “We made changes without shedding a drop of blood,” highlighting India’s peaceful democratic evolution.

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal criticised party chief Ajit Pawar after being excluded from the Maharashtra Cabinet. Expressing his disappointment, Bhujbal said, “Am I a toy in your hands? You ask me to contest, then ignore me.” He revealed that earlier this year, he was denied a Rajya Sabha seat and pushed to contest Assembly elections instead. Now, the sudden offer of the seat has angered him. Bhujbal also claimed CM Devendra Fadnavis supported his inclusion. “The way I was treated was humiliating,” he added. Bhujbal will consult his supporters before taking the next step.

A cabin crew member of Air India was arrested for smuggling 1.7 kg of gold at Chennai Airport. Officials said the gold, handed over by a passenger, was found hidden in the crew member's undergarments. Both the passenger and the crew were intercepted on arrival from Dubai and have been taken into judicial custody. In a separate incident, a Kenyan woman was arrested on December 7 for smuggling 90 cocaine capsules worth ₹14.2 crore. She had arrived from Addis Ababa and was caught after medical assistance helped recover the drugs. Customs investigations are ongoing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, a French island near Madagascar. He offered India’s support to France during this crisis. The cyclone, with winds up to 200 km/h, killed 22 people and injured over 1,400. Many remain trapped under rubble, and roads are blocked. French authorities called the damage “devastating,” with 70% of residents affected. A nighttime curfew has been imposed to prevent looting. Cyclone Chido also hit Mozambique, leaving 34 dead and over 300 injured. Experts warn stronger cyclones may occur due to global warming.

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing landslides and flattening buildings, including one housing Western embassies. Power and mobile networks remain down, making it hard to assess the full damage. Reports say at least one person has died, and many others are injured. Cars were crushed, homes cracked, and aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue efforts are ongoing with limited resources. The US, UK, and New Zealand embassies sustained damage. Airlines have cancelled flights to Port Vila. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as recovery continues.

The One Nation, One Election Bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha on December 17. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested sending the bill to a Parliamentary panel for detailed discussions. The bill aims to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The move sparked protests from the opposition. Leaders like Congress' Manish Tewari and Samajwadi Party's Dharmendra Yadav criticised the bill. They argued it challenges the Constitution's structure and India's federal nature. Despite protests, 269 MPs supported the bill, while 198 opposed it.

Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced constitutional amendment bills for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the Lok Sabha. The motion to introduce the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, saw 269 MPs supporting it, while 198 opposed. Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress MPs criticized the bills, calling them an attack on the Constitution’s basic structure. The bills propose mid-term elections for dissolved assemblies to complete their five-year terms. If passed, simultaneous elections are expected to begin in 2034. The opposition demands the bills be sent to a joint committee.