A moderate 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Union Territory of Ladakh on Monday afternoon, followed by two strong aftershocks. The initial quake occurred around 3:48PM, with the epicenter located near Kargil at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Just minutes later, Ladakh was rattled again by subsequent 4.8 and 3.8 magnitude tremors. Nearly an hour after the first quake, Jammu and Kashmir also endured ground shaking, as a small 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Kishtwar. No immediate casualties or infrastructure damage have been reported so far. Seismic activity remains elevated across the remote Himalayan region, though assessment is still underway.

The INDIA bloc, a coalition of Opposition parties, encounters a setback with half of its Rajya Sabha and one-third of Lok Sabha MPs suspended during the Winter Session. Suspension stems from protests seeking a statement on the Lok Sabha security breach. Mamata Banerjee deems it a "mockery of democracy," alleging BJP fear, while Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge laments, "all democratic norms had been thrown into the dustbin," describing the situation as a "bloodbath" in Rajya Sabha. TMC's Sougata Ray views it as a "murder of democracy," and RJD's Manoj Jha sarcastically congratulates "Modi ji on an opposition-mukt Parliament," considering the suspension a "badge of honour." The move raises concerns about democratic norms.

India marks a significant milestone in polar research with its inaugural winter expedition to the Arctic. Launched from Prithvi Bhavan in New Delhi, the groundbreaking mission, aligned with India's Arctic Policy, explores the Arctic's impact on global climate, sea levels, and biodiversity. Led by the Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, a team of four scientists will conduct atmospheric observations during polar nights, study auroral changes, and monitor sea ice variations. The research, based at the Himadri station in Svalbard, Norway, enhances India's Arctic capabilities and promotes scientific cooperation and environmental protection.

Unexpected cold weather disrupts China, with Guangdong province experiencing rare snowfall while the northern regions reach historic lows. Roads, rail, and air transport face challenges due to extreme conditions. Despite earlier predictions of a warmer winter, the cold wave surprises many, impacting daily life and transportation. Health advisories are issued, warning the elderly and young of potential "cold wave illnesses." President Xi Jinping's call for an emergency response in Guangxi highlights the severity. The weather shift follows unprecedented floods in July, marking another episode of extreme weather in China.

Over a month after heightened seismic activity forced its closure, Iceland's renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa began a phased reopening on Sunday. The spa, facilities, and some dining reopened to limited daytime visitors, with hotels to follow on December 21 pending reassessment. Located on the volatile Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon's restart came after new specialized protective barriers were installed, though infrastructure damage was reportedly minimal. Shutdown since November 9th amid risk of a volcanic eruption triggered by earthquakes, Iceland's authorities and the spa now deem partial operations safe to resume with tightened precautions. However, opening hours remain reduced as the geologic threat has faded but not fully passed.

The eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka lies in ruins as a new report reveals extensive damage caused by Russia's assault. The Centre for Information Resilience reports that almost every building, including schools, hospitals, churches, and supermarkets, has been damaged or destroyed. The strategic targeting of civilian infrastructure and high-rise apartments raises concerns about the humanitarian impact. The ongoing conflict has claimed 154 lives, and with Russian forces advancing, the city remains a central battleground. International response includes the EU adopting a 12th package of sanctions against Russia, focusing on import-export bans.          

The European Union initiates formal proceedings against X, owned by Elon Musk, citing potential breaches of Digital Services Act rules. The allegations involve countering illegal content, disinformation, and transparency obligations. X asserts cooperation with regulatory processes, emphasizing the importance of a non-political and lawful investigation. The Digital Services Act introduces stringent regulations, allowing substantial fines or suspension for major tech firms failing to protect users from extreme content. The investigation, the first under the DSA, follows prior EU scrutiny of X over the spread of terrorist content and hate speech.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were hurried to safety by the Secret Service when a car struck an SUV in their motorcade. The incident occurred as Biden left his campaign headquarters in Delaware. A silver sedan collided with a Secret Service vehicle, prompting agents to surround the car with drawn weapons. Biden, visibly stunned, was quickly escorted to his vehicle. The Bidens were unharmed, returning home without changes to the president's schedule. The Secret Service confirmed no protective interest in the event, and local police are investigating the collision for possible impairment.  

As Covid cases surge and the JN.1 variant is found in India, the Centre advises states to enhance RT-PCR testing and monitor influenza-like and acute respiratory illnesses. The Health Secretary emphasizes sustained efforts but urges constant vigilance. States are encouraged to implement public health measures for the upcoming festive season, reporting ILI and SARI cases promptly. The Ministry highlights the need for increased testing and genome sequencing to detect new variants. Kerala reports India's first JN.1 case, emphasizing the ongoing Covid challenges. The government aims to minimize transmission risks and sustain control during the festive season.

Director Rajkumar Hirani reveals the unique inspirations behind Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film, 'Dunki.' The idea sparked from a Jalandhar house featuring a cement-made aeroplane, a local tradition symbolizing a family member going abroad. Another influence is the 'visa gurdwara,' where people offer passports. Shah Rukh Khan explained that 'Dunki' explores the theme of an illegal journey, reflecting the universal experience of seeking a future abroad while cherishing one's roots. The film, starring Khan, Taapsee Pannu, and Vicky Kaushal, releases on December 21.