On Saturday, Russia warned of severe environmental damage from a significant oil spill in the Black Sea after two tankers collided in a storm near Crimea on December 15. With one tanker sank, authorities have declared a state of emergency and acknowledged ongoing pollution threats despite efforts for clean-up operations.
One worker was killed and another seriously injured after being hit by Marathi actor Urmila Kothare's car in Mumbai's Kandivali area. The incident occurred while Kothare was returning home from her shoot. The actor and her driver were also injured, with the car losing control and striking the victims. An investigation is underway.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal continues his indefinite hunger strike since November 26, demanding legal guarantee for MSP and farm loan waivers. The CPI(M) urges the government to promptly engage in talks with farmer organisations as Dallewal's health deteriorates. The Supreme Court gives the Punjab government until December 31 to persuade him to move to a hospital.
The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) will carry 24 experiments, including 14 from ISRO and 10 from non-government entities (NGEs), covering areas like seed germination, robotic arms for debris capture, and green propulsion systems. IN-SPACe will support these projects by providing test facilities, mentorship, and access to ISRO’s work centres for any specific tests.
Bengaluru police are implementing comprehensive security measures for New Year's Eve 2025, deploying over 11,000 personnel to manage crowds and traffic. Celebrations are permitted until 1 am, with specific pedestrian and vehicular restrictions in high footfall areas like MG Road. Zero tolerance policies for drink and drive will be enforced.
Reliance Industries, owned by Mukesh Ambani, has acquired Karkinos Healthcare for Rs 375 crore to expand its health services portfolio. Karkinos focuses on technology-driven solutions for early cancer detection, partnering with hospitals, and setting up a multispecialty cancer hospital in Imphal. Prominent past investors include Tata Sons and Mayo Clinic.
Fifty people were arrested for the violence near Jama Masjid in Sambhal on November 24. One suspect was arrested in Delhi. Police are investigating those behind the incident and those who sheltered them. The violence led to four fatalities and multiple injuries. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the construction of a police post near the mosque.
A 14-year-old girl in Sri Ganganagar district died after consuming a pesticide-sprayed cabbage leaf from her field. She felt nauseous and was hospitalized, but did not survive. The incident highlighted the dangers of high pesticide levels in leafy vegetables, which can cause severe health issues like digestive problems, respiratory issues, and prolonged exposure risks.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made an unannounced visit to Ganderbal to review the post-snowfall situation, focusing on healthcare facilities and essential services. He emphasized speeding up snow-clearance and restoring power and water supply, ensuring minimal hardships for residents. Abdullah chaired meetings with district officials to coordinate relief efforts.
Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell's half-centuries helped New Zealand win against Sri Lanka by eight runs in the first T20 international. They had a 105-run partnership which helped recover New Zealand from 65-5. Sri Lanka, after an excellent start, faltered at 121-0, losing eight wickets for 43 runs to finish on 164-8.
FD interest rate of up to 9%: Fixed Deposits (FDs) are generally safer than many other investment options, but they are not entirely risk-free. On fixed deposits (FDs), investors can still get up to 9% interest rates in select small finance banks.
Pilgrims at the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj can expect a drone show depicting events like Samudra Manthan. The show will feature 2,000 illuminated drones. Uttar Pradesh Tourism is also introducing floating restaurants, water activities, and hot air balloons. Preparations for the event are underway, with development and beautification work across temples, Ganga ghats, parks, roads, and flyovers.
Over 43 lakh cheque bounce cases are pending in Indian courts. Rajasthan has the highest number, followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal cited frequent adjournments and lack of monitoring for delays. A committee proposed special courts for quicker resolution. A pilot study in five states, including Rajasthan, aims to test this.
Vodafone Group has cleared dues amounting to Rs 11,650 crore by repaying debt raised against shares of Vodafone Idea. The pledge on shares was released by HSBC Corporate Trustee Company. Vodafone Group holds a 22.56 percent stake, while Aditya Birla Group and the government hold 14.76 percent and 23.15 percent respectively.
India’s IPO market ends 2024 on a high note with two IPOs—Indo Farm Equipment and Technichem Organics—closing out a record year, raising Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Six listings, including four mainboard, are also slated for the week ahead.
CBI searched the premises of an ED assistant director in Shimla after he escaped during a trap operation while receiving a bribe. The ED officer, on deputation from CBIC, fled with the bribe money. His brother, a senior manager at Punjab National Bank in Delhi, has been arrested. Over Rs 1 crore in cash has been recovered.
Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attended the funeral of former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh. Prayer ceremonies were held in Bhutan, with national flags flown at half-mast. Singh, who was 92, served as India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014. Relations between India and Bhutan strengthened significantly during his tenure.
In a historic move, 27-year-old K N Renuka Pujar becomes the first transgender guest lecturer at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University in Karnataka. Her journey is marked by immense support from her family and university faculty. Pujar aims to inspire other transgender individuals to pursue higher education.
The European Central Bank may delay its next interest rate cut due to a recent increase in inflation, which accelerated to 2.2% in November from 2.0% in October, surpassing the ECB's target of 2%. Governing Council member Robert Holzmann cites rising energy prices and potential euro devaluation as contributing factors.
RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav criticizes Bihar government over BPSC aspirants’ protests and alleged question paper leak, questioning CM Nitish Kumar's leadership. Examination Controller Rajesh Kumar Singh denies allegations of the leak and announces re-examination for the affected test center. Contrasting, Yadav calls current government corrupt and ineffective.
The U.S. THAAD system was used in Israel for the first time to intercept a missile from Yemen, following recent airstrikes by Israel on Houthi targets. This deployment enhances Israel's defense amid escalating regional tensions and concerns about impacts on humanitarian efforts in Yemen.
The Bangladeshi interim government has revoked journalists' accreditation cards for security reasons, restricting their access to the Secretariat. This measure follows a student-led movement that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and a recent fire incident. Temporary daily access cards will be issued by respective ministries for press events. The government will review and reissue press accreditation cards soon.
