India

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 20 children from 18 states, recognising achievements in art, sports, culture, and innovation. The event coincided with Veer Bal Diwas, honouring the courage of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons

Kashmir cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq removed “Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference” from his X profile after authorities warned of account suspension under UAPA, following the ban on Hurriyat constituents. He called it a “Hobson’s choice” to maintain communication with the public

A Mumbai court fined businessman Nitin Sheth Rs 5,000 for feeding pigeons in a public place, ruling his actions could spread dangerous infections. The case follows the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s ban on pigeon feeding over health and nuisance concerns

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for December 26, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

Titan Co announced its entry into India’s lab-grown diamond market with the brand “beYon,” launching a Mumbai store on December 29. The move targets affordable, sustainable jewellery, with plans to expand to Delhi amid rapid market growth

Over two million Afghan refugees remain in Pakistan despite more than 1.8 million returning since 2023 under the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan. Border tensions and deportations continue, while UNHCR ensures essential services and advocates exemptions for university students

The Enforcement Directorate has registered a money laundering case against UK-based Islamic preacher Maulana Shamsul Huda Khan from Uttar Pradesh for alleged radical links, illegal funding, and asset accumulation worth Rs 30 crore, including ties with Pakistani outfit Dawat-e-Islami

A 45-year-old man, Robin Thomas, was killed in a drunken brawl in Marykulam, Idukki. His friend, Sojan, allegedly attacked him with a stone following an argument. Sojan has been arrested, and a murder case is under investigation

Thane police busted a human trafficking racket, arresting five people attempting to sell a 7-day-old baby for Rs 6 lakh. The infant has been moved to a care home, while investigations continue into the gang and possible wider networks

Two Navi Mumbai school teachers were booked for allegedly harassing and assaulting a 6-year-old student. Incidents include forcing another child to slap him and striking him with a metal compass. The case is registered under the Juvenile Justice Act

A man was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly killing his wife by setting her on fire at their Nallakunta residence, reportedly over suspicion of infidelity. The incident occurred in front of their children, leaving the woman dead and her daughter injured

The Election Commission of India will closely scrutinise domicile certificates issued in West Bengal after July 2025 during hearings on the draft voters’ list. The move follows opposition complaints of irregular issuance, with two-level verification ordered ahead of Assembly elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, calling it commendable for boosting constitutional awareness among tribal communities. President Droupadi Murmu released the Ol Chiki script version, highlighting inclusivity and democratic participation

Tension erupted in Chomu town of Jaipur district after a dispute over an iron railing near a mosque turned violent, leading to stone-pelting and injuries to six policemen. Police used tear gas, conducted a flag march, and restored order

Actor Vijay’s final film *Jana Nayagan* heightens buzz with the release of third single “Chella Magale,” sung by Vijay. Directed by H Vinoth, the political action thriller marks his cinematic farewell before politics, with a grand audio launch in Malaysia

An Indian-origin man died of suspected cardiac arrest after waiting over eight hours in a Canadian hospital emergency room despite severe chest pain. His family alleges lapses in care, raising concerns over emergency response and patient safety within the healthcare system

The rupee weakened 23 paise to 89.94 against the US dollar in early trade amid foreign fund outflows, weak domestic equities and rising crude oil prices, with thin holiday volumes and trade deal uncertainty weighing on market sentiment

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty slipped in early trade amid foreign fund outflows, low holiday volumes and weak cues. Investor sentiment remained fragile despite selective buying, as markets consolidated in the absence of major domestic or global triggers

The Andhra Pradesh government issued a conditional No Objection Certificate to Vedanta’s Cairn Oil & Gas for drilling 20 onshore wells in Krishna district under the DSF Policy, permitting activity subject to strict irrigation safeguards and mandatory departmental clearances

Andhra Pradesh Municipal Minister P Narayana inaugurated raft foundation works for Amaravati’s new High Court, designed by Norman Foster. The iconic B+G+7 structure will house 52 court halls, span 21 lakh sq ft, and is targeted for completion by 2027

Forest officials in Kerala’s Wayanad district trapped an adult tiger suspected of killing a tribal man earlier this week. The weak and ageing animal is likely to be shifted to a rehabilitation centre after medical examination.

Kerala police have registered a case against a Congress leader for allegedly sharing an AI-generated image linking Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with a Sabarimala gold loss case accused, terming the image fabricated and misleading

Khoob khaye cookies abhi abhi mangwa ke. Zabaan ekdum lalcha rahi, thoda aur mangwa ke. Chapad Chapad ka rahe hai swadisht….Thodi dere main aur mangwaayengay (sic), says the Big B

An Indian research scholar was shot dead on the campus of University of Toronto Scarborough campus, according to reports reaching here.