The NHS has reported a 70% rise in flu-related hospitalizations in England, with 1,861 patients admitted daily last week, up from 1,099 the week before. Seasonal illnesses like norovirus and RSV are also increasing, raising fears of a “quad-demic.” NHS England chief Sir Stephen Powis urged eligible groups, including over-65s and pregnant women, to get vaccinated against flu, COVID, and RSV. Vaccines are available in pharmacies, markets, and supermarkets. Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed the call, emphasizing the importance of protection before the festive season. November marked the busiest-ever month for A&Es in England, with 2.31M attendances.

Legendary Canadian rocker Bryan Adams delivered an unforgettable performance in New Delhi on December 12 as part of his "So Happy It Hurts" tour. The 65-year-old icon captivated thousands with hits like Summer of ’69 and (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. The audience swayed to Heaven and roared with nostalgia during his signature anthem. Adams’ magnetic stage presence, combined with stellar performances from his bandmates, electrified the night. Guitarist Keith Scott and drummer Pat Stewart added flair to the show, which ended with Straight from the Heart. Adams promised to return, leaving fans ecstatic.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received a bomb threat email on Friday, targeting its Mumbai headquarters. The email, written in Russian, was sent to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra's official email address. Mumbai Police promptly registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated an investigation to trace the sender. Security around the RBI premises has been heightened. Authorities are working to identify the motive and ensure safety. No further details on the sender have been disclosed yet.

Delhi recorded its coldest December day in three years, with Pusa area hitting 3.2°C on Thursday. The city’s minimum temperature dropped to 4.5°C, and similar cold wave conditions are expected through the weekend. The IMD predicts temperatures around 4°C on Friday, with mist or smog in the morning and evening. Cold waves have also been reported in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Dense fog is likely in Bihar, Sikkim, and northeastern states. The IMD forecasts a gradual drop in temperatures across East India and a slight rise in West India over the next five days.

A massive fire broke out at a private hospital in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, on Thursday, killing six people. At least 29 patients were rescued and shifted to the Dindigul Government Hospital. Firefighters are working to control the blaze, but the cause of the fire is still unknown. The district collector and senior officials are overseeing rescue operations. A hospital official stated they are cooperating with emergency responders. The extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed. Authorities are ensuring the safety of all patients and staff while investigating the tragic incident.

The Lok Sabha will start a two-day debate on Friday to celebrate 75 years of the Indian Constitution. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will open for the government, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may deliver her first Lok Sabha speech for the Opposition. The Congress has strategized to address key issues, potentially sparking a faceoff with the BJP. PM Modi is set to respond on Saturday. A similar debate will occur in the Rajya Sabha next week. The Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, came into effect on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a democratic republic.

Several Delhi schools, including DPS East of Kailash and Modern School, received bomb threats via email on Friday. The email claimed explosives were planted and linked the threat to a dark web group. It warned of potential blasts on December 13 and 14, coinciding with parent-teacher meetings in some schools. Authorities sent students home and called in police, fire teams, and bomb squads. No suspicious items have been found so far. The email also demanded a reply from the schools. Investigations are ongoing as officials work to ensure safety.

“I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win that position,” said India’s Gukesh Dommaraju after becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion at 18. Gukesh defeated China's Ding Liren in a dramatic 6.5-7.5 victory in the 14th game of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore. A crucial blunder by Ding, the defending champion, sealed his fate. Gukesh broke Garry Kasparov’s 1985 record as the youngest champion, further solidifying India’s growing chess legacy. “Becoming the world champion doesn’t mean I’m the best; there’s Magnus,” Gukesh added, citing Magnus Carlsen’s dominance.

Rittika Rajput, a 22-year-old student from Punjab, died tragically when a tree crashed on her during a bonfire with friends at James Lake, British Columbia, Canada, on December 7. The hospitality management student succumbed to severe head injuries. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have deemed the incident non-suspicious but continue investigating. Rittika came from a low-income family; her mother worked tirelessly to send her to Canada. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to repatriate her body to India. Family friend Amarjit Lalli recounted the accident caused by a sudden gust of wind.

The UK government announced £75 million compensation for LGBTQ veterans dismissed from the military before 2000 reforms allowed their service. Eligible veterans, previously subjected to harassment, dismissal, and loss of pensions, will receive £50,000 each, with additional sums of £1,000-£20,000 based on individual suffering. Defence Secretary John Healey called their treatment a "moral stain," pledging to right past wrongs. Victims can also request rank and medal reinstatement. Parliament will debate the measure, while veterans can start filing claims online. A 2023 report highlighted the "horrendous" treatment endured by LGBTQ veterans, prompting the reparations announcement.