India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Sri Lanka as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Special Envoy to hold talks with top leaders. The visit comes amid India’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah.

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) will debut the Taj brand in Egypt with a 300-key Taj Cairo at Opera Square, featuring dining, wellness, and event facilities. The project, in partnership with state-owned EGOTH, aligns with IHCL’s global expansion strategy

Deccan Gold Mines Ltd has begun pre-commissioning trials at its Altyn Tor Gold Project in Kyrgyzstan, processing 20,000–30,000 tonnes of ore. The trials aim to validate gold recovery methods ahead of full-scale production, strengthening India’s global mining footprint

“Drishyam 3,” starring Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, is set for theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film continues the story of a father crafting an elaborate alibi to protect his family

A 20-year-old BTech student, Princy Kumari, was found dead in her hostel room at OP Jindal University, Raigarh. She allegedly died by suicide, leaving a note expressing regret over disappointing her parents. Police are investigating the case

Ather Energy announced it will raise prices of its electric scooters by up to Rs 3,000 from January 1, citing rising input costs and adverse forex impact. The hike affects the 450 series and Rizta models across India

Experts caution Hyderabad residents against panicking over high AQI readings shown by car dashboards and private apps, saying official CPCB data remains reliable. They cite inaccurate low-cost sensors, confined cabin measurements and lack of regulation as reasons for misleading air quality readings.

In Adigoppula, Palnadu district, two men, Sri Ram Murthy and Hanumanthu, were allegedly killed by a gang over a prior dispute. Ten assailants, led by Y Naresh, attacked them with a knife and iron rod. Police have registered a case

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

Security forces in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, destroyed a Maoist weapons manufacturing facility, seizing rifles, explosives, detonators, and other materials. The CRPF and local police operation dealt a major blow to Naxal operations, amid ongoing efforts to curb Maoist activity in the region

Actress Rashmika Mandanna shared fun behind-the-scenes moments from the sets of *Cocktail 2*, joking about working behind the camera. Busy shooting with Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, the film is directed by Homi Adajania and is slated for a 2026 release

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 Mumbai-bound Air India Boeing 777 returned to New Delhi shortly after take-off due to a right engine oil pressure issue. The aircraft landed safely with 335 people onboard, and alternative arrangements were made as inspections continue

Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir announced plans to launch a new political party in West Bengal, asserting commitment to public service and claiming it will contest over 100 Assembly seats, aiming to influence government formation in next year’s elections

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 26-year-old Indian-origin Singaporean man was charged for staging a fake explosive threat at a church, leading to the cancellation of services. Police said the act was not terror-related. He was remanded for psychiatric evaluation and faces severe penalties if convicted.

An adult tiger that had been repeatedly attacking livestock near Kumbalathamon in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district was trapped by forest officials using a cage trap. The animal will undergo medical examination before authorities decide on its release or captivity.

The makers of Vetrimaaran’s upcoming film Arasan, starring Simbu, released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing his transformation and moments from the set. Shot in Kovilpatti, the film has drawn attention for its cast and its link to the Vada Chennai universe

Starbucks has appointed Indian-origin technology executive Anand Varadarajan as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. A former Amazon leader with nearly 19 years of experience, he will join the company’s leadership team in January to strengthen global digital and technology initiatives.

Joshna Chinappa and Veer Chotrani clinched the women’s and men’s singles titles at the 80th CCI Western India Squash Tournament in Mumbai. Chinappa staged a comeback to beat Sanya Vats, while Chotrani dominated Suraj Chand in a one-sided final

To improve urban service delivery, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) proposes doubling its wards from 150 to 300. This reform addresses Hyderabad’s expansion to nearly 2,000 sq km. By creating manageable units, the city aims to enhance political representation, integrate GIS-based data analytics, and align with UN Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive growth. This approach ensures data-driven governance puts citizens "centre stage".