India

ISRO’s LVM3-M6 “Bahubali” rocket created history on Christmas Eve by successfully launching the 6,100 kg BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite, the heaviest ever from Indian soil. The mission, part of a commercial deal with US-based AST SpaceMobile, aims to provide direct-to-mobile 4G and 5G connectivity worldwide.

Failure to link PAN with Aadhaar by December 31 may result in deactivation, affecting tax filing, refunds, banking, investments and KYC compliance. The Income Tax Department has urged taxpayers to complete the process to avoid penalties and financial disruption.

The Delhi High Court has reserved its decision on a plea by Karisma Kapoor’s children seeking a share in their late father Sunjay Kapur’s estate. The case involves allegations of will tampering and exclusion of legal heirs.

Axis Energy and Reliance Industries emerged as top bidders in India’s latest coal block auction, targeting UCG-capable blocks. The move supports cleaner coal gasification, syngas and hydrogen production, reduces import dependence, and boosts private sector confidence in energy transition

A fire at a furniture factory in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, killed two workers and injured another after turpentine oil caught fire during transfer. The blaze took nearly 10 hours to control. Police have launched an investigation.

Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received civil aviation NOCs, joining Shankh Air, which may start in 2026. The move aims to expand India’s domestic aviation market beyond IndiGo and Air India’s duopoly, promoting regional connectivity and growth

A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped and killed in Odisha's Bhadrak district. An accused was arrested from Jagatsinghpur district in connection with the case

BNHS and Maharashtra Forest Department tagged 15 long-billed vultures at Melghat Tiger Reserve to track movements, survival, and behavior. Solar-powered GSM and satellite tags were used, supporting conservation efforts and reintroduction of vultures into the wild

Shooting for *Mirzapur: The Film* is underway in Rajasthan, bringing back fan-favorite characters from the hit series. Starring Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Divyendu, the movie will release nationwide in 2026, later streaming on Prime Video

In Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, a CRPF jawan was injured when a leopard entered a camp in Kapran during breakfast. The animal attacked him before fleeing into the forest. The jawan is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital

In Uttar Pradesh, junior clerk Ashish Singh was arrested for allegedly raping a minor under the pretext of marriage and defrauding her of ₹7 lakh. The victim complained after discovering he had married another woman

Three blackbucks, including two females and one male under two years, were found dead with suspected gunshot injuries in Kadur taluk, Chikkamagaluru. Forest officials registered a case and are investigating possible poaching near the Basur Amrit Mahal Kaval reserve

A six-year-old girl in Thane, Maharashtra, died over a month after being bitten by a street dog, despite receiving timely anti-rabies treatment. Her condition worsened suddenly, and she passed away at a Mumbai hospital, officials confirmed

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court dismissed PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s PIL seeking transfer of prisoners to local jails, stating it appeared politically motivated. The court emphasized that PILs cannot be used for partisan gains or electoral advantage

ISRO successfully launched BlueBird 6, its heaviest satellite to date, aboard the LVM3 ‘Baahubali’ rocket from Sriharikota. The mission strengthens India-US space cooperation and marks a major leap in space-based cellular broadband connectivity.

The Bombay High Court quashed a 12-year-old FIR against Star Pravah programming heads over an allegedly objectionable dialogue in the serial *Laxmi versus Saraswati*, ruling they had no role in its creation and noting procedural lapses in prosecuting under the Atrocities Act 

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for December 24, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

A Junior Commissioned Officer of the Indian Army died after sustaining a gunshot wound in a firing incident inside a military camp in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have ruled out a terror angle and ordered an investigation

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

Malayalam filmmaker and former MLA PT Kunju Muhammad was arrested and released on bail in Thiruvananthapuram in connection with an alleged molestation case involving a woman from the film industry during the International Film Festival of Kerala, police said

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

Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Wednesday, driven by rising geopolitical tensions, a weaker dollar and expectations of US rate cuts. Strong safe-haven demand and tight supply conditions further supported precious metals across global and domestic markets.

An NCP leader in Maharashtra’s Nanded was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted over a Rs 2 crore dispute. Seven people were arrested, while the victim accused a sitting MLA of masterminding the attack, a charge the legislator denied, calling it political conspiracy