Month: December 2025

Dense fog enveloped several parts of the national capital and adjoining areas of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday morning, severely reducing visibility and disrupting normal movement across key stretches.

Visuals from Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram, Noida’s Botanical Garden Metro Station, and Delhi’s Akshardham area showed thick layers of fog blanketing roads and residential areas, with vehicles moving at a slow pace as visibility dropped sharply. Similar conditions were observed across several areas of Noida, where dense fog continued to affect early-morning commuters.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 384 at 7 am, placing it in the ‘very poor to severe’ category.

Several air quality monitoring stations across the city reported alarming AQI levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 452, while ITO stood at 426, RK Puram at 411, and Chandni Chowk at 419, all falling under the ‘severe’ category. Dwarka Sector 8 also recorded a high AQI of 414.

Other areas witnessed slightly lower but still hazardous air quality levels. IGI Airport (Terminal 3) recorded an AQI of 334, while Najafgarh stood at 331 and Aya Nagar at 321, all categorised as ‘very poor’.

Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport are being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, leading to delays and cancellations, airport authorities said on Wednesday.

In an advisory, Delhi Airport stated that ground teams are deployed on-site and are actively assisting passengers to ensure smoother movement amid low visibility conditions. Passengers have been advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates.

“Due to prevailing dense fog conditions, flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III protocols, which may result in delays or cancellations. Our ground teams are on-site and actively assisting passengers to ensure a smooth travel experience. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the advisory said.

Meanwhile, rail services were also affected, with several trains delayed due to poor visibility. Passengers were seen waiting at railway stations in the national capital as train movement remained slow amid foggy conditions. (ANI)

After US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed that Washington stopped a potential war between India and Pakistan, China has now claimed that it mediated tensions between the two countries following their military clashes earlier this year.

Speaking on Tuesday (local time) at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing had played a mediating role in several global conflicts, including the India-Pakistan standoff, the Chinese Foreign Ministry shared a statement on X.

“To build peace that lasts, we have taken an objective and just stance, and focused on addressing both symptoms and root causes. Following this Chinese approach to settling hotspot issues, we mediated in northern Myanmar, the Iranian nuclear issue, the tensions between Pakistan and India, the issues between Palestine and Israel, and the recent conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” Wang said.

Wang’s remarks come months after India and Pakistan were locked in a brief but intense military confrontation in May, triggered by a terror attack in the Pahalgam valley of Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which took 26 innocent lives.

India responded with Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India has consistently dismissed claims of any third-party mediation, maintaining that the four-day confrontation was resolved through direct military-to-military communication.

New Delhi has maintained that, inflicted by this heavy damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO and both sides agreed to stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea with effect from May 10.

China’s claim has renewed focus on its role during the crisis, especially given its close defence ties with Pakistan. China is Pakistan’s largest arms supplier.

In November, a report published by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission accused China of orchestrating a disinformation campaign in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.

The advisory body to the US Congress said Beijing used fake social media accounts to circulate AI-generated images of fabricated aircraft debris, allegedly aimed at undermining sales of French Rafale fighter jets while promoting its own J-35 aircraft.

On the diplomatic front, Beijing had called for restraint on the first day of Operation Sindoor, even as it expressed regret over India’s strikes.

“China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable. We are concerned about the ongoing situation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on May 7. (ANI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday issued the revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Uttar Pradesh, based on the qualification date of January 1, 2026.

As per the revised schedule, the draft publication of the electoral roll will now be done on January 6, 2026.

“The period for receiving claims and objections has been set from January 6 to February 6, 2026,” the Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Office (CEO) posted on X.

“From January 6 to February 27, 2026, the notice phase, decision on counting forms, and disposal of claims and objections will be carried out. The final publication of Uttar Pradesh’s electoral roll will be done on March 6, 2026,” it added.

The second phase of the SIR exercise covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, following the successful completion of the first phase in Bihar.

On December 19, the ECI released the draft electoral roll for Tamil Nadu after collecting over 5.43 crore voter enumeration forms. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 2, 2026, following a Special Intensive Revision exercise conducted nearly five months ahead of the polls.

The Election Commission in Tamil Nadu has deleted 97,37,831 electors from the list due to being deceased, having shifted/absent from their residence, or being enrolled at multiple places.

Similarly, the ECI in Chhattisgarh has deleted over 27 lakh voters in the state as part of its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, as per the data released by the poll body.

As per the poll body, the period of claims and objections started on Tuesday (December 23), and will continue until January 22, 2026, giving electors an opportunity to include their name in the list. The hearing and verification phase will take place from December 23 to February 14, 2026. The final list is set to be published on February 21.

In Kerala, over 24.08 lakh electors were deleted from the voter lists as the Election Commission of India (ECI) published the draft electoral roll after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. The final electoral roll for Kerala will be published on February 21.

In Madhya Pradesh, following the completion of the enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, the Election Commission of India has released the first draft voter roll. According to the updated list, 42,74,160 voters’ names have undergone deletions.

The electoral officer added that if any voter has an objection, or claims to include their name in the list, they may submit the claim or appeal from December 23, up to January 22. All such claims and objections will be resolved by February 14, 2026. Thereafter, the final electoral roll will be published on February 21, 2026.

Apart from this, there were around 8.65 lakh unmapped voters, whose names are present in the current electoral roll but data of these voters are not found in the record of 2003.

In West Bengal, the Election Commission published the draft rolls on December 16, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, with 58,20,899 electors, accounting for 7.59 per cent, deleted due to death, being untraceable, or permanent migration.

The poll body stated that genuine electors can still be added back in the electoral rolls during the Claims and Objections period from December 16 to January 15, 2026. (ANI)

People in Agartala on Tuesday organised a candle march to seek justice for Anjel Chakma, a resident of Nandanagar in Tripura, who was attacked in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on December and later died in hospital during treatment.

A large number of people participated in the march, urging the authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the incident. Protesters demanded the harshest punishment for the accused.

Speaking to ANI, Samir Chakma, chairman of the Chakma Committee, said that thousands had gathered to demand justice for Anjel Chakma. He stated that the march was organised to condemn the brutal killing and to press for stringent punishment for the perpetrators.

“Today we have gathered here in a crowd of nearly thousands, and everyone who has come is here to demand justice for Anjel Chakma. Today we are holding a candle march here. First of all, we demand that those responsible for the brutal killing of Anjel Chakma must face the strictest possible action and be punished. We will demand that punishment–meaning the death penalty–be given to those people,” Samir Chakma, chairman of the Chakma committee, told ANI.

In addition to Agartala, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) held a candle march in New Delhi, demanding justice in the case. NSUI President Varun Choudhary alleged that incidents of violence have become frequent in areas governed by the BJP.

He claimed that although individuals committed the crime, it was influenced by a broader ideology. Choudhary further alleged that no action was taken for nearly 15 days and criticised the delayed response by authorities, calling it unacceptable.

“Today we held a candle march here for Anjel Chakma. This has now become common throughout the country… anywhere where the BJP is in power, lynching and violence have become common… While this murder was carried out by a few individuals, the ideology of the RSS and BJP is behind… No action was taken for 15 days… This shouldn’t be happening at all in the country,” Varun Choudhary told ANI.

Meanwhile, Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh on Tuesday briefed on the killing of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura who was killed in Uttarakhand’s capital, asserting that five people have been arrested. At the same time, teams have been formed to locate the sixth accused, who is on the run.

“Along with that, a supplementary report was taken, in which the sections were increased. Sections of the attempt to murder (109) were added on the basis of statements. In the meantime, a separate team was formed, and five people were arrested. The sixth accused was of Nepali origin. He left the place the next day after the incident. For this, a dedicated team has been set up. According to the information so far, the accused may be hiding in nearby bordering areas,” he said.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of Anjel Chakma, a student from the state who was killed in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun, and said strict punishment must be ensured for the accused.

Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday alleged that attempts are being made to bury the matter on the death of a Tripura student, Anjel Chakma, who was fatally attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and other blunt objects in Dehradun.

Gogoi condemned the police for taking 12 days to register the case and accused the administration of trying to brush the matter under the carpet.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Tuesday said a factual report has been sought from the concerned authorities in connection with the murder of Tripura student Anjel Chakma, who was attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and other blunt objects.

Speaking to ANI, he said the NHRC has issued notices to the Dehradun District Magistrate (DM), the Superintendent of Police (SP), the Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP), and the Chief Secretary, instructing them to ensure the safety of students from northeast India in the state.”

Following a complaint received from the activist group. We issued a notice yesterday to the Dehradun DM and SP. We have sought a factual report on the entire incident, in which a student from Tripura was murdered in Dehradun. We have also issued notices to the Uttarakhand DGP and the Chief Secretary, and instructed them to ensure the safety and security of all students from Northeast India residing in Uttarakhand,” Kanoongo said.

Chakma, an MBA student, was attacked by a group of miscreants with knives and other blunt objects in Dehradun on December 9 and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The brutal killing of Anjel Chakma, a student from Tripura, in Dehradun has sparked widespread outrage across the political fraternity, with leaders condemning the incident and demanding swift justice.

Five of the accused have already been arrested, including two minors sent to a juvenile reform home, while the sixth accused, a Nepalese national, remains at large with a reward of Rs 25,000 announced for his capture.

The Uttarakhand government has assured that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the perpetrators face the harshest possible punishment and to ensure the safety of northeast students across the country.

SSP Singh mentioned that a preliminary investigation was conducted, during which additional sections were added to the case, including sections related to attempted murder.

“Along with that, a supplementary report was taken, in which the sections were increased. Sections of the attempt to murder (109) were added, on the basis of statements. In the meantime, a separate team was formed, and five people were arrested. The sixth accused was of Nepali origin. He left the place the next day after the incident. For this, a dedicated team has been set up. According to the information so far, the accused may be hiding in nearby bordering areas,” he said. (ANI)

A fine fifty by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and a fine bowling performance in the second half of 176 run defence helped India beat Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the fifth and final T20I on Tuesday.

India has captured a 5-0 series whitewash over SL.

During the run chase of 176, Sri Lanka faced an early setback with the loss of skipper Chamari Athapaththu for a five-ball two to Arundhati Reddy, courtesy a clean catch from Deepti Sharma at extra cover.

Imesha Dulani immediately made a mark with two fours against Deepti. She and Hasini Perera launched a counter-attack, getting effortless boundaries against spin and pace, ending the powerplay at 48/1, with Dulani (27) and Perera unbeaten (17).

SL touched 50-runs in 6.2 overs. The onslaught continued with SL at 75/1 halfway through, needing 101 runs in the final 10 overs.

Dulani reached a dominant fifty in just 38 balls, with eight fours. But Amanjot Kaur ended the 79-run stand, sending Dulani back for a 39-ball 50. SL was 86/2 in 11.1 overs.

Spinners brought India back into the contest as Deepti got her record-breaking 152nd T20I wicket by removing Nilakshi de Silva for just three, and Vaishnavi Sharma got Kavisha Dillhari for five. SL were four down for 107 in 14.3 overs.

Hasini reached her fifty in 37 balls, with six fours. But after taking down Shree Charani with a four and six, the Indian spinner had the last laugh, getting her for 42-ball 65, with eight fours and a six. SL was 132/5 in 16.4 overs.

From there, SL could not recover and were restricted to 160/7 in 20 overs, with Rashmika Sevwandi (14) and Malki Mandara (5) unbeaten.

Deepti, Arundhati, Sneh Rana, Charani, Vaishanvi and Amanjot got a wicket each.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant fifty, along with a fiery cameo from Arundhati Reddy in the last over, powered India to 175/7 in the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka.

Reddy (27* in 11 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Sneh Rana (8*) added a vital 33 runs off 14 balls for the 8th wicket to help India reach a fighting total. Reddy slammed 20 runs off Malki Madara in the last over.

Visiting team captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to field. India had a shaky start, losing Shafali Verma for five runs while debutant G. Kamalini scored 12. Harleen Deol had a promising start but failed to convert it into a big score, as she was also removed for 13 off 11 balls in the 7th over.

Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh also failed with a 5-run knock, as she was dismissed by Athapaththu in the 9th over. Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur held one end, but India went four down against Sri Lanka inside 10 overs.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma soon followed Ghosh as Athapaththu’s slow off-spin undid her.

Sharma tried to slog the ball towards mid-wicket but only managed to top-edge the ball into the hands of Nimasha Madushani.

Kaur, along with Amanjot Kaur, advanced the innings. Amanjot rotated the strike while Kaur smashed boundaries at regular intervals. Kaur, in the 15th over, took on Athapaththu, smashing her for two back-to-back fours to bring up her fifty.

Rashmika Sewwandi broke the 61-run stand for the 6th wicket as she removed Amanjot for 21 runs off 18 balls.

Kaur, after playing a brilliant knock of 68, was cleaned up by Kavisha Dilhari in the 18th over, putting India on the back foot.

India finished on 175/7, setting a target of 176 for the visitors to avoid a clean sweep in the five-match T20I series. (ANI)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend Bangladesh’s first woman Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia’s funeral on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

“The External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. He will accordingly visit Dhaka on 31 December 2025,” the statement read.

Begum Khaleda Zia died in the early morning today at the age of 80, while she was undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

According to a BNP statement on Facebook, Zia died at around 6 am (local time), shortly after the Fajr prayer.”Khaleda Zia passed away at around 6:00 am, just after Fajr prayer,” the BNP statement read.

“We pray for the eternal peace of her soul and ask everyone to pray for her departed soul,” it added.

Zia was admitted to the capital Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on November 23 with a lung infection. The former Prime Minister has been suffering from various physical ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, liver cirrhosis, and kidney complications, for a long time, and earlier this month, she was sent to London for advanced medical treatment for her ailments.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Bangladesh PM and BNP Chairperson, extending condolences to her family and the people of Bangladesh.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said he was “deeply saddened” to learn about the passing of Khaleda Zia, who died at the age of 80 and prayed for strength for her family to bear the loss.

“Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss,” the Prime Minister said.

Global leaders on Tuesday continued to express condolences following the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, remembering her as a towering democratic leader in her country.

Interim Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushila Karki said that she was “deeply saddened” by Khaleda Zia’s passing and extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal to her family and the people of Bangladesh.

“Begum Zia leaves behind a legacy of lifelong public service, with her enduring leadership marking a historic chapter in the democratic journey of her country,” Karki said in a post on X. She also described Khaleda Zia as “a true friend of Nepal”, recalling her role in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations. (ANI)

Actor Sunny Leone’s New Year 2026 event at a restaurant in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura has been cancelled following strong objections from seers and religious groups in the city.

The event was reportedly planned at a bar on New Year’s Eve. However, shortly after the announcement, several seers raised objections, expressing anger about the show.

In a letter addressed to the District Magistrate on Monday, Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas requested the cancellation of the event.

Amid the uproar by religious groups and mindful of the sanctity of the holy city, the event organisers decided to cancel the program.

Girraj Singh, a Hindu group leader, spoke to ANI and thanked the state government for listening to the people. He praised the government for respecting the “sentiments” of the region and the sadhus, saying: “I would like to thank the Uttar Pradesh government on behalf of all the people of Braj Bhumi. I want to express my gratitude to the government for considering the sentiments of the people of Braj Bhumi and also for respecting the sadhus and sants.”

Religious leader Dinesh Falhari Dharmacharya also shared the reasons behind the opposition to the event. Referring to Braj Bhumi as the land of “penance” and Lord Krishna, he stated:”The sadhus and saints had opposed this event because this is Braj Bhumi, the land where Lord Krishna performed the Maharas. This is a land of penance, and such events should not be held here. We would like to thank the administration for understanding our feelings and cancelling this event.” (ANI)

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday said the bird flu situation in the state is “under control”, adding that precautionary measures are being taken to prevent any possible transmission of the virus from birds to humans.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, George said the Animal Husbandry Department has already initiated necessary action in the affected areas.

“It’s under control, and the animal husbandry department has already taken action. We are trying to avoid the transmission of the virus from birds to humans,” she said.

The Health Minister added that preventive protocols are being strictly followed in areas where bird flu cases have been reported. “In all those areas, we are asking people to wear masks, and also those who work in the poultry farms where the flu is reported, as per the protocol, they are observing isolation,” she stated.

George further noted that preliminary assessments indicate the infected birds may have been brought in from outside the state.

“When we took the meeting, we understood that these birds were brought from some other places, from some place outside Kerala. The animal husbandry department will reveal that,” she said.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell of the Kerala State Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin, warned that the misuse of antibiotics is fueling a global health crisis – antimicrobial resistance.

Speaking with ANI, Jayadevan, a leading expert, warned that antibiotics are losing their effectiveness against dangerous bacteria due to overuse, making infections harder to treat. He pointed out that the primary reason behind this growing problem is the overuse and inappropriate consumption of antibiotics.

“Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem affecting the entire world. This is a situation in which antibiotics no longer work against dangerous bacteria. The reason is the overuse of antibiotics. Especially in India, some individuals go directly to medical stores and buy antibiotics, just like they would buy fruits and vegetables. This is not acceptable in any developed country,” said Jayadevan.

In India, the lack of regulation allows people to buy antibiotics over the counter, unlike in developed countries, where prescriptions are mandatory. Jayadevan urged immediate action: stop over-the-counter sales and require a doctor’s prescription. (ANI)

Veteran actress Rekha publicly displayed her love and affection for Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, at the screening of his upcoming film ‘Ikkis’.

On the red carpet, Rekha paused to gaze at a poster of the late actor Dharmendra, standing in quiet reverence for a few moments with folded hands and a bowed head. She then moved to Agastya’s photo, placing her hand gently on it and blowing a flying kiss as a blessing.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, ‘Ikkis’ is a war biopic based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra.

The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, and Rahul Dev. It will be released on January 1, 2026.

Big B, who recently attended a previous screening of the upcoming war biopic, took to his blog and penned a heartfelt note.

Revisiting some rare memories from the time when Agastya was born to watching him on the big screen, Amitabh Bachchan wrote, “Emotions flow.. As do they tonight when you witness the grandson excel in IKKIS .. the time when his Mother, Shweta is being rushed to Breach Candy Hospital as she encounters final labour pains .. his birth .. holding him barely a few hours later, and discussing whether his eyes were blue .. to the time when he grew a bit and holding him in my arms, and he fiddles with my beard .. to his growth .. to the final personal decision of his to be an actor, and tonight to see him in frame, unable to take my eyes off each time he fills the frames of the film.”

Hailing Agastya’s performance in the film, Big B described how he showcased an “unfiltered honesty” while portraying Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.

“When he is in the frame you only watch him .. and this is not a grandfather speaking, this is a hardened viewer of cinema.. And the film flawless in its presentation.. its writing.. its Direction..And when it ends .. the eyes filled with tears of joy and pride.. unable to speak out.. In silence. The silence that belongs to me.. my understanding.. no other,” he concluded. (ANI)

Kannada and Tamil television actress Nandini CM has allegedly died by suicide in Bengaluru. The 26-year-old was known for her work in popular TV serials.

Nandini was found dead at her paying guest accommodation in Mylasandra, Kengeri, Bengaluru. The actress had been living there for some time due to her work in television.

According to police information, the incident is believed to have occurred between 11:16 pm on December 28, 2025, and 12:30 am on December 29, 2025. The matter was reported to the police around 9:15 am on December 29.

According to police records, on the night of the incident, Nandini had gone to meet a friend and returned to the PG late at night. When she did not answer phone calls later, the friend informed the PG staff. The door to her room was forced open, and she was found unresponsive inside. Police arrived at the scene and confirmed that she had died at the location.

A diary, allegedly belonging to Nandini, was also said to have been found, where she had written about her desire to continue acting. Based on this, her mother, GR Basavarajeshwari, filed a complaint for further legal action, stating that there is “no suspicion” regarding her daughter’s death.

Nandini CM was known for her roles in Kannada and Tamil serials such as Jeeva Hoovagide, Sangharsha, and Gowri. She gained popularity among Tamil viewers for her role in Gowri, where she portrayed contrasting characters.

No official confirmation has been made yet regarding other factors linked to her death.

The case is being investigated by PSI Hanamantha Hadimani. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues. (ANI)