Today News Headlines for School Assembly, Dec 8, 2025: PM Modi initiates discussion on ‘Vande Mataram’ in Lok Sabha, Indigo cancels over 400 flights

Parliament panel likely to summon top IndiGo officials. Sources said the committee has not yet fixed a date, but the issue is “firmly on its mind” and may be taken up in its next sitting.

At a time when ties between India and US are strained over 50 per cent punitive tariffs imposed on Delhi, the US administration led by President Donald Trump has sent one of the top officials to India for bilateral consultations.

IndiGo Airlines cancelled 650 flights. It will operate 1,650 of 2,300 scheduled services. An IndiGo spokesperson said that they are doing everything possible to ensure refunds for cancellations.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up his two-day India visit on December 5, New Delhi began preparing for a possible visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which could take place as early as January 2026, The Indian Express has learnt.

North Goa’s Arpora witnessed a tragic nightclub fire late Saturday night that claimed 25 lives and left six injured. Investigators said a preliminary inquiry indicates most victims died of suffocation after being trapped in the basement.

World

Zelenskyy signals progress in talks with US on peace plan for Russia-Ukraine war

Chinese military aircraft locks radar on Japanese fighter jet, says Japan in protest

Thai army says airstrikes launched along disputed border area with Cambodia as tensions reignite

Hong Kong voters had cast ballots in their second legislative election since a 2021 overhaul of the system eliminated the pro-democracy opposition in the Chinese territory.

Sports

After ODI series win, Gautam Gambhir hits back at Test defeats criticism, slams IPL team owner for ‘split coaching’ suggestion

The league stage of a competitive SMAT 2025-26 season will come to an end on Monday at four venues in the country, with several teams facing stiff competition to make the last eight of the competition on the final day.

After India’s series win, with Virat Kohli named Player of the Series and Rohit Sharma answering critics, head coach Gautam Gambhir said their performances should not be linked to the next 50-over World Cup, still two years away.

Rohit Sharma joins Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli in the 20,000 international runs club

Business

DGCA issues show cause notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Isidre Porqueras over this week’s flight disruptions.

A US trade team led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer is set to visit India next week to iron out differences, such that the long-pending bilateral trade agreement.

Centre to bring new levies on tobacco, pan masala as GST compensation cess set to lapse

Education

New Zealand immigration announces new seasonal visa categories under the AEWV framework. The new visas will specifically target industries that depend heavily on seasonal labour, including horticulture, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

IIT Roorkee, the organising institute for JEE Advanced 2026, has released the detailed eligibility criteria for candidates wishing to appear for the exam next year. The exam will be held on May 17.