India

India announces its T20 World Cup 2026 squad without star batter Shubman Gill due to poor T20 form. Axar Patel returns as vice-captain, while Suryakumar Yadav leads a 15-member team featuring Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ishan Kishan.

The Badminton Association of India conducts its inaugural Para Badminton Coaches Development Program in Raipur, led by Dronacharya Awardee Gaurav Khanna, aiming to strengthen coaching standards, disability awareness, and athlete support to sustain India’s global para-badminton success.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may address a BJP rally in Taherpur virtually after dense fog prevented his helicopter from landing in West Bengal’s Nadia district, forcing a return to Kolkata airport amid low visibility and crowd management challenges.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the global economic and political pecking order has changed, with multiple centres of power emerging, making it impossible for any single country to dominate global affairs amid growing competition and interdependence.

Indian Bank donated Rs 38 lakh to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for installing a security luggage scanner at the Alipiri check post, aimed at enhancing safety and security for pilgrims entering Tirumala.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar invoked Lord Krishna’s battlefield teachings on meditation at the UN, stressing the relevance of Dhyana Yoga in today’s conflict-ridden world during the observance of World Meditation Day.

Telangana has accused Andhra Pradesh of unauthorised expansions of the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator, alleging excessive Krishna water drawals that threaten its share and aggravate the inter-State river dispute amid low reservoir levels.

Dense fog reduced visibility across Delhi as air pollution worsened, with the city’s AQI touching 384, close to the ‘severe’ category. Authorities warned of further deterioration and enforced stricter pollution-control measures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address his first rally in West Bengal after the release of draft SIR rolls, amid concerns over voter exclusion, while inaugurating highway projects in Nadia district ahead of Assembly polls.

Bangladesh will hold the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi under heavy security on Saturday, a day after his death triggered widespread violence, vandalism and diplomatic concerns across the country.

Eight elephants were killed and one injured after a herd was struck by the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam’s Hojai district, derailing five coaches and the engine. No passenger injuries were reported.

Trump’s plan to slash US drug prices through global benchmarking and tariffs could reshape international pharmaceutical markets, including India’s generics-driven export sector, which relies heavily on the American market.

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for December 20, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

Veer Chotrani and Suraj Chand advanced to the quarterfinals of the 80th CCI Western India Squash in Mumbai. Both top seeds won comfortably, as spectators witnessed high-quality squash marked by sharp movement, tactical awareness and resilience

India defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in a rain-hit U19 Asia Cup semi-final in Dubai. Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George scored unbeaten half-centuries to guide India into the final, where they will face Pakistan on Sunday

India defeated South Africa by 30 runs in the fifth T20I at Ahmedabad to clinch the series 3-1. Hardik Pandya’s whirlwind fifty, Tilak Varma’s fluent 73 and Varun Chakravarthy’s four wickets powered the hosts to victory

Dhakshineswar Suresh stunned Daniil Medvedev to take Aussie Mavericks Kites into the World Tennis League final. The Kites beat Falcons 24-19, while AOS Eagles topped the table. Indian stars Shrivalli and Nagal also impressed in Bengaluru

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made history by becoming the first Indian men’s doubles pair to reach the semifinals of the BWF World Tour Finals. The duo beat Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in a thrilling comeback

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy clarified that the Rs 10,000 crore township and film studio project announced by Salman Khan Ventures was only an expression of interest, with no formal agreement signed. The announcement comes amid controversy over land transfers, the Pharma City project, and forest land disputes that have drawn Supreme Court scrutiny.

A deal with Oman could provide the springboard India needs to find other markets in the region and in Africa

Vritti Agarwal of Osmania University won gold in the 1500m freestyle at the All India Inter-University Swimming and Diving Championship in Chennai. Shirin of VTU took silver, while Ashmitha Chandra of Jain University claimed bronze

The ninth season of the Indian Women’s League begins on Saturday with eight teams competing in Kolkata and Kalyani. East Bengal defend their crown, Gokulam Kerala chase a fourth title, and newcomers Garhwal United and Sesa debut in top-tier football

Fabiano Caruana ended Alireza Firouzja’s winning run to help Alpine SG Pipers beat Triveni Continental Kings in the Global Chess League. Mumba Masters climbed to the top with victory over Ganges Grandmasters, while Alaskan Knights continued their revival with another win