Human Interest

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

Over 2.17 million Afghans, including 60% children, have been forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan, straining Afghanistan’s fragile infrastructure. Refugees face harassment, extortion, and human rights violations, while UNDP urges international support to prevent worsening humanitarian crises

Sourav Ganguly has issued a Rs 50 crore defamation notice and filed a police complaint against Uttam Saha of the Argentina Football Fan Club for falsely linking him to Lionel Messi’s India tour and tarnishing his reputation

A Cessna C550 business jet crashed near Statesville, North Carolina, killing seven, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife, and children. The plane caught fire during a return attempt after takeoff. FAA and NTSB investigations are ongoing

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Telangana government to provide a trained elephant permanently for religious processions in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, citing difficulties caused by arranging elephants from other states after the previous one’s death

The Supreme Court criticized the trend of judges issuing numerous orders just before retirement, likening it to “hitting sixes” in cricket. It refused to interfere in a Madhya Pradesh judge’s suspension but allowed him to approach the high court for recalling the order

Amandeep Singh-Bola, of Indian-Kiwi origin, helped restrain one of the Bondi Beach attackers during a December 14 shooting that killed 15 and injured 40. He acted alongside police to subdue the suspect, demonstrating courage amid the terrorist attack

Anini village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley was awarded “Best Emerging Adventure Destination” at the 17th ATOAI convention in Srinagar, recognizing its trekking routes, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and efforts by local communities and tourism stakeholders

Dust storms in northern China, largely originating from Mongolia, highlight regional desertification and climate challenges. China is exporting anti-desertification expertise, including tree-planting and land management techniques, to Mongolia, balancing cooperation with local nomadic traditions and rising environmental diplomacy

Africa was the hardest hit by President Donald Trump’s expanded US travel restrictions, with several countries facing full or partial bans, prompting muted official reactions, concern over unfair treatment, and warnings of strained US–Africa relations and wider diplomatic, economic and social impacts

The winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the start of astronomical winter and signals gradually lengthening days ahead, while explaining how Earth’s tilt, solstices, equinoxes, and seasonal definitions shape daylight and climate cycles

IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti said students trained in traditional music can pursue engineering at IIT-Madras, highlighting music’s mathematical foundations. He announced interdisciplinary initiatives including a mic-less bamboo auditorium and the Ilaiyaraja Centre for Excellence in Music

Before nominating APJ Abdul Kalam as India’s 11th President, BJP suggested Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who declined, citing democratic precedent. Vajpayee built consensus across parties, maintained a strong bond with Lal Krishna Advani, and handled crises like the 2001 Parliament attack

The Andaman and Nicobar administration has invited public suggestions to name 586 uninhabited islands, emphasizing local tribal heritage, historical events, and natural features. Finalized names will be approved by the MHA, with the Survey of India updating official maps