A cold wave continues to affect parts of northern India, with temperatures dropping sharply over the past 24 hours. Delhi recorded a low of 4.9°C, marking a 3°C dip. Faridkot in Punjab saw the region's lowest at 1°C, while Haryana's Hisar and Narnaul recorded 1.7°C and 3°C, respectively. Dense fog is expected to blanket Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Northeast India on December 16 and 17, reducing visibility. The cold wave is expected to persist until December 20 in various regions, including Delhi-NCR, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan. Frost conditions may also affect Madhya Pradesh.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, 73, is currently in the ICU of a San Francisco hospital due to heart-related issues. Despite rumors of his death, his publicist confirmed to PTI that Hussain is still alive and being treated. His sister, Khursheed, stated that he is "very critical" but urged fans not to believe misinformation about his passing. Hussain, a Grammy-winning musician, has been hospitalized for over two weeks. His family, including his brother-in-law Ayub Aulia, has called for prayers from his global fanbase. Hussain is one of India's most celebrated musicians, having received multiple prestigious awards.

Cyclone Chido has left nearly 1,000 people feared dead in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, after winds exceeding 136 mph caused widespread destruction. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, and critical infrastructure, including the airport and hospital, was severely damaged. Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province also faced devastation, with homes, schools, and health facilities destroyed. UNICEF has called for urgent aid, warning of disrupted services. Malawi and Zimbabwe are preparing for potential flooding. The worsening intensity of cyclones underscores the impact of climate change, leaving vulnerable nations to face mounting humanitarian crises with insufficient global support.

Actor Allu Arjun, addressing criticism over not visiting the hospitalized victim of the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede, stated, “I remain deeply concerned and pray for his recovery. I’ve been advised not to visit him or his family at this time due to ongoing legal proceedings.” The incident claimed the life of Revathi (35) and left her son critically injured. Arjun, released from jail on Saturday, pledged to support the victim’s family. Critics noted his post-release visits to family and friends, but the actor assured he would meet the family "at the earliest opportunity."

A suspected gas leak at Utkarsh Coaching Classes in Jaipur's Mahesh Nagar area left 10 students hospitalised, with 2 in ICU. The incident occurred around 6:45 PM during a session when a foul odour from a suspected drain leak caused 20 students to experience nausea, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Smoke from a terrace kitchen worsened the situation. Seven students were taken to a private hospital, where their condition is now stable. Student leaders, including former Rajasthan University Student Union President Nirmal Choudhary, have demanded action against the institute. Police are investigating the cause of the leak.

Indian tourists may enjoy visa-free travel to Russia starting spring 2025, following discussions between the two nations. The proposed bilateral agreement aims to ease travel for group tourism. Since August 2023, Indian travelers have accessed e-visas, processed within four days, contributing to India being among the top five e-visa recipients. In 2023, over 60,000 Indians visited Moscow, a 26% increase from 2022. Currently, Russia offers visa-free entry to Chinese and Iranian citizens. Indian passport holders already have visa-free access to 62 countries. The initiative reflects growing ties between India and Russia in tourism and trade.

Cyclone Chido devastated France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, leaving hundreds feared dead, according to local officials. The cyclone, with wind speeds over 225 km/h, flattened communities and destroyed makeshift homes. Initial reports listed 11 fatalities, but authorities expect the toll to rise significantly. Tens of thousands are homeless, with electricity, water, and communication disrupted. France has deployed 250 rescue workers and emergency supplies. Pamandzi Airport sustained major damage, hindering relief efforts. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called the destruction “unprecedented since 1934.” The storm has intensified, causing further damage in Mozambique and threatening southern Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expanded his cabinet, inducting 39 ministers in a swearing-in ceremony in Nagpur. Leaders from BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) took the oath. Key figures include BJP’s Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Pankaja Munde, Shiv Sena’s Gulabrao Patil, Uday Samant, and NCP’s Dhananjay Munde, Babasaheb Patil. Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde also attended. The BJP is likely to retain crucial departments like revenue and power, while Shiv Sena and NCP are expected to keep their previous portfolios. Fadnavis confirmed a consensus on portfolio allocation, to be revealed soon.

Travis Head played a sensational knock, scoring 152 runs against India on the second day of the third Test in Brisbane. His aggressive and fearless batting followed solid starts from Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne, helping Australia post 405 for 7. While Head’s dominance stood out, Jasprit Bumrah’s relentless bowling continued to shine for India. Despite a strong performance by Bumrah, who took his second five-wicket haul in three Tests, India struggled for support from other bowlers. Head’s consistency and Bumrah’s brilliance highlighted the ongoing rivalry in the series, which is tied 1-1.

Two Russian tankers, Volgoneft-212 and Volgoneft-239, sustained severe damage due to a storm in the Black Sea, leading to a massive oil spill. At least one crew member has died, and emergency rescue operations are underway to evacuate 27 sailors. The vessels, built in 1969 and 1973, were carrying thousands of tonnes of fuel oil. Greenpeace warned of a looming environmental catastrophe, comparing the incident to a 2007 spill in the same area. Russia deployed helicopters and tugboats for rescue and cleanup. Environmental specialists are assessing the damage as the spill threatens marine biodiversity and global shipping routes.