Cyclone Chido has killed close to 1,000 people in Mayotte, France, according to local officials. The storm, the strongest in over 90 years, caused severe damage, destroying homes, hospitals, and the main airport. Winds of 124 mph ripped through the island, flattening makeshift houses and leaving thousands homeless. President Emmanuel Macron expressed sorrow, calling the situation tragic. France has sent rescue teams, police, and aid to help survivors. Chido has also hit Mozambique, causing destruction and displacing many. UNICEF warned of potential health crises due to stagnant water. Experts link worsening cyclones to climate change, highlighting the need for global action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Hussain, 73, passed away in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. PM Modi hailed Hussain as a true genius who brought the tabla to global recognition, blending Indian classical music with world traditions. He praised his iconic performances and contributions to cultural unity, saying they will inspire future generations. Hussain, known for revolutionising Indian classical music, was also a Grammy winner. Modi extended heartfelt condolences to Hussain’s family, friends, and the global music community.

Residents of Hadar, a Syrian village near the Golan Heights, are watching closely as Israeli forces move into their region. Israel has temporarily taken control of parts of the UN-monitored buffer zone after Syria’s government fell. The Druze community in Hadar, long affected by conflict, is hoping for peace after years of war. Many fear Israel’s plans to expand settlements in the Golan Heights. Local leader Jawdat al-Tawil said alliances in the area are shifting but expressed hope for justice under Syria’s new leaders. “We’ve had enough war and bloodshed,” said resident Riyad Zaidan.

Virat Kohli faced harsh criticism from Sunil Gavaskar after his dismissal in the first innings of the Gabba Test against Australia. Kohli chased a wide delivery from Josh Hazlewood, edging it to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Gavaskar called the shot unnecessary, as the ball was well outside the off stump. He emphasised Kohli’s need for patience, especially with India already losing early wickets. Kohli’s struggle with wide deliveries has been a recurring issue, despite fans hoping for his return to form after a century in the Perth Test. His inconsistency has widened the gap between him and his "Fab Four" peers.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval may visit China on December 18 for Special Representative talks, according to sources. This follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's update in Parliament on improved India-China ties. Jaishankar said full disengagement in eastern Ladakh has been achieved, with further de-escalation as India’s next goal. He also reminded Parliament that China occupies 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin. India and China have been in a standoff since 2020, following clashes in the Galwan Valley. Doval’s visit is seen as another step towards easing tensions between the two countries.

Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at 73 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Tributes poured in from Bollywood icons, including Amitabh Bachchan, who called him an "unmatched maestro," and Akshay Kumar, who termed him a "treasure for India's musical heritage." Kangana Ranaut shared an old video, thanking him for enriching India’s legacy. Kamal Haasan expressed gratitude for Zakir's art, while Dia Mirza remembered him as a generous soul. Zakir, son of tabla legend Alla Rakha, leaves behind a six-decade legacy, his wife Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa and Isabella.

Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.5°C on Monday, intensifying the ongoing cold wave across North India. Certain areas, like Pusa, saw temperatures drop as low as 3.5°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave alerts for Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. Delhi’s air quality also worsened, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 334, categorised as 'very poor.' Calm winds and high humidity contributed to both the biting cold and deteriorating air quality. Residents bundled up against the chill as more fog and colder conditions are expected in the coming days.

Bangladesh's interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, announced on Monday that general elections will be held in late 2025 or early 2026. Speaking on state television, Yunus, the chief adviser to the caretaker government, revealed that election dates might be set by the end of next year or the first half of 2026. The caretaker government took charge following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster in August 2024 during violent student protests. Pressure mounts on Yunus to finalise election plans as political tensions remain high. Hasina fled to India after protesters stormed the Prime Minister’s Palace in Dhaka.

During the third India-Australia Test in Brisbane, Isa Guha, former England cricketer, sparked outrage by calling Jasprit Bumrah "MVP - Most Valuable Primate." Facing backlash, Guha apologised on Fox Cricket, expressing regret for her unintended offense and reaffirming her respect for Bumrah. "I meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players," she clarified. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri commended Guha's live apology, calling her "brave" and urging fans to move on. The incident stirred debates on sensitivity in commentary but highlighted the importance of accountability.

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 in a San Francisco hospital due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The eldest son of tabla virtuoso Ustad Allah Rakha, Hussain brought the tabla to global prominence through his rhythmic brilliance and innovative collaborations. Over his six-decade career, he earned five Grammy Awards and all three Padma Awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Renowned for blending Indian classical music with jazz, his groundbreaking 1973 project with John McLaughlin and L Shankar redefined fusion music. Tributes poured in from leaders and celebrities, lauding his unparalleled legacy that continues to inspire worldwide.