Human Interest

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India discovered a new soil-dwelling micro-arthropod species, *Neelus sikkimensis*, in Sikkim. The finding marks the first Indian record of the genus Neelus, highlighting the Eastern Himalayas as a key biodiversity hotspot

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said legally binding FTA commitments on professional services will expand overseas opportunities for Indian professionals, stressing skill upgrades, global best practices, MRAs and stakeholder coordination to leverage India’s demographic dividend and boost services exports

Actor Anupam Kher shared an emotional birthday tribute for Anil Kapoor on his 69th birthday, praising their long friendship, Kapoor’s kindness and talent, and acknowledging his quiet support after Satish Kaushik’s passing, wishing him health, happiness and continued success

In Pakistan's Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, unidentified assailants attacked a police van, killing five officers. Authorities launched a search operation, while Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, linking it to TTP activity after the ceasefire ended in November 2022

From December 27, Australian search engines must blur pornographic and violent images for under-18 users, implement age verification measures, and downrank harmful content. The rules aim to protect children, applying to both logged-in accounts and AI-generated search results

The Mesram clan of aboriginal tribes in Adilabad has started preparations for the five-day Nagoba Jatara festival. Rituals include fetching sacred water from Godavari, performing Mahapuja, and worshipping deities, attracting tribal devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh

Actress Priya Banerjee made a special cameo in *Four More Shots Please* season four, marking her first on-screen collaboration with husband Prateik Smita Patil. The couple also walked the ramp together and tied the knot on February 14 in an intimate ceremony 

In Thummuguda village, Adilabad, Adivasi tribals have banned outsiders from wearing footwear in the village for the month-long holy period of Pushya. Violators face a Rs 5,000 fine, respecting centuries-old customs of barefoot walking and austere rituals

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged citizens to help protect vulnerable people from the cold wave by ensuring warmth and shelter. He said the government has activated night shelters, distributed blankets, arranged bonfires, and taken special measures for safety amid fog

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced Rs 5 lakh assistance for the family of a migrant worker lynched in Kerala. Terming the act inhuman, he sought strict action against the accused and assured full support to the bereaved family

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for December 23, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

A 40-year-old beauty parlour owner in Mokama, near Patna, was allegedly attacked with acid by two men on a motorcycle. She sustained minor facial burns and is stable. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident

The Andaman and Nicobar administration is offering a New Year’s Eve cruise to Barren Island, India’s only active volcano. Departing Sri Vijaya Puram on December 31, the voyage includes sightseeing, music, food, and adventure, with tickets starting at ₹3,180

Human rights groups wrote to the Norwegian Nobel Committee accusing Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, of remaining silent amid escalating violence and rights abuses in the country, urging moral leadership and accountability to uphold the Nobel Peace Prize’s ethical authority

Actor Ahan Shetty revealed undergoing intense military-style training and gruelling action preparation for his role as a Navy officer in *Border 2*, calling the experience at real defence locations physically demanding and transformative. The war drama releases January 2026

A six-month pregnant woman died after allegedly being assaulted by her family over an inter-caste marriage in Hubballi rural area. Police arrested three people, including her father, and launched an investigation into the fatal attack that occurred at her village home

A three-year-old tigress from Pench Tiger Reserve was airlifted to Rajasthan and relocated to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi to enhance genetic diversity. The inter-State transfer, monitored by veterinarians, marked a major step in tiger conservation efforts

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for December 22, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

A Parliamentary panel has recommended granting the Auroville Foundation INI status, citing UNESCO recognition and its global peace contribution. The report suggested amending the Auroville Foundation Act, providing sustainable funding, and maintaining independent visa procedures for residents

A parliamentary panel urged India to strengthen IREL with targeted budgetary support to boost rare earth element exploration and mining. Recommendations include domestic supply strategies, international collaborations, and leveraging GSI projects to reduce import dependence for critical minerals

Using 11 years of spectroscopic data from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Indian researchers mapped Sun’s magnetic activity across latitudes, revealing hemispheric asymmetries and sunspot correlations. The findings refine solar dynamo models, aid space-weather forecasting, and may support climate research

Several Jeffrey Epstein-related files, including an image showing Donald Trump, disappeared from a US Justice Department webpage shortly after release, fuelling transparency concerns. Lawmakers and survivors criticised gaps, delays and heavy redactions in the long-awaited document disclosures

Snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains of Kashmir on Sunday marked the start of Chillai-Kalan, ending a prolonged dry spell. Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Sadhna Top received fresh snow, bringing relief to residents and boosting hopes for winter tourism

A leopard entered a residential society in Thane, Maharashtra, injuring two to three people. Forest Department and Sanjay Gandhi National Park teams launched a rescue operation, monitoring the animal closely and urging residents to stay indoors and avoid crowding