India

US H-1B visa delays, caused by a new social media vetting policy, are leaving Indians stranded in India and risking their jobs. Some appointments have been postponed to 2026, prompting Google to advise employees against international travel.

Malayalam cinema mourns the loss of versatile actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan, who passed away at 69 in Kochi. Renowned for his memorable roles, satirical writing, and award-winning films, he leaves behind a legacy celebrated by fans and colleagues alike

ISRO has successfully completed qualification tests of drogue parachutes for its Gaganyaan mission at TBRL’s RTRS facility in Chandigarh. The tests validate a critical deceleration system required for safe re-entry and human spaceflight

US researchers have identified a gut bacterium called Turicibacter that may help reduce weight gain and improve metabolic health. Findings from mouse studies suggest the microbe could play a role in controlling blood sugar and fat levels.

The Enforcement Directorate questioned Jai Anmol Ambani for the second consecutive day in a money laundering probe linked to an alleged Yes Bank loan fraud. His statements were recorded under the PMLA as part of the ongoing investigation

Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations across Jammu following intelligence inputs about a possible infiltration attempt from across the border. Searches are underway along the International Border and forest areas amid dense fog, with no contact reported so far

IndiGo will begin issuing Rs 10,000 travel vouchers from December 26 to passengers stranded due to flight cancellations earlier this month. The compensation follows a government review, with the DGCA tasked with monitoring payouts to eligible customers.

Two youths from Mathura will be honoured with the Samaritan Citizen Award for rescuing nearly 100 injured passengers after a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway. The fog-triggered accident claimed 19 lives and injured over 50 commuters

The BJP has criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for travelling to Germany during Parliament’s Winter Session, accusing him of defaming India and meeting anti-India forces abroad. The party questioned his absence from parliamentary proceedings.

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh advised students, especially young boys, to make life choices they would never hesitate to explain to their mothers, stressing family values and personal responsibility during the ‘Hello Lokesh’ programme in Rajahmundry

The FSSAI has assured that eggs available in India are safe for human consumption, dismissing recent claims of nitrofuran contamination as misleading. Officials noted that trace residues below regulatory limits pose no health risk and emphasised adherence to food safety regulations.

Seven days after the Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal’s probe committee has yet to summon top officials allegedly involved in the mismanagement. The state government maintains no one is above investigation as SIT examines the incident

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.