National News

The planetary outlook for Moon signs in 2025 predicts social, financial, and health prospects. Aries and Leo will experience significant career growth, while Taurus enjoys stable finances. Other signs face challenges in relationships, health, or legal issues, mitigated by strategic planning and preventive measures. Women's roles across signs see balanced growth.

On December 18, 2024, the Maharashtra State Social Justice and Home departments issued a circular notifying the availability of safe houses in every district of Maharashtra for inter-faith and inter-caste couples, married or unmarried.  

Ramps, colour-coded tactile tiles, Braille signage and audio announcements at bus stops. All of these can be put in place with a small investment, say activists

The Bareilly police said that action will be taken against all those found to have helped the three Khalistan Zindabad Force terrorists

Australia's rivalry with India intensified when Virat Kohli collided with 19-year-old batter Sam Konstas during the fourth test at Melbourne. The incident sparked a heated exchange until Usman Khawaja intervened. Australia, who went into lunch at 112-1, saw Konstas score a memorable 60 on debut. Both teams made changes as they seek to secure a series lead.

Sam Konstas, a 19-year-old debutant, captivated the Melbourne Cricket Ground with a remarkable half-century against India. His aggressive play and fearless exchanges, including a memorable run-in with Virat Kohli, caught fans' attention. His performance led to viral Wikipedia edits, showcasing his impact on the game and generating significant social media buzz.

A thin layer of fog covered parts of Delhi this morning, lowering the temperature to 7°C. Dense fog has disrupted rail services but flight operations remain unaffected. The IMD has issued a yellow alert, forecasting moderate to dense fog and possible light rainfall. Supreme Court guidelines on air quality management may impose restrictions based on AQI.

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad dismisses threats by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against the Maha Kumbh, calling them attempts to sow discord between Hindus and Sikhs. President Mahant Ravindra Puri assures unity, highlights Sikh contributions to Sanatan Dharma, and downplays the threats as routine disruptions.

During the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Virat Kohli sparked controversy by shoulder-bumping debutant Sam Konstas, leading to a heated exchange. Konstas, who eventually scored a half-century, was instrumental for Australia after Pat Cummins won the toss. Ricky Ponting criticized Kohli's actions, suggesting potential consequences from umpires and referees.

During a farewell party for Devendra Sandal, a manager at the central warehouse in Kota, his wife Deepika, who had cardiac issues, suddenly collapsed and was declared dead at the hospital. The couple had no children, and Sandal had taken early retirement to care for his ailing wife.

The preparations for launching the centre are in the final stage, while the State government has sought the support of academicians, technical experts and representatives of ceramic industry to make value addition to its works.

David Sacks defends Sriram Krishnan, Trump's nominee for AI and Crypto Czar, against widespread social media backlash, labelling it as a misinformation-driven campaign. The controversy focuses on immigration fears and false allegations, detracting from pressing immigration issues while underscoring the polarized responses to Trump's cabinet picks.

Clashes between forces loyal to former Syrian President Bashar Assad and rebel groups resulted in 17 deaths, including 14 security personnel. The violence erupted during an operation to arrest a former Assad regime official accused of authorizing executions. Authorities reported that the region is facing significant challenges in maintaining security post-Assad's regime.

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar criticised India's decision to drop batsman Shubman Gill for the Boxing Day Test against Australia. He called the move harsh and noted it did not significantly improve either the batting or bowling performance. The series is tied at 1-1, with crucial matches ahead. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with both teams vying for an important series lead in the Boxing Day Test as they aim for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final.

Amid the controversy over the stampede during Pushpa2's premiere, the action drama's earnings of around Rs 1,500 crore contrast starkly with the Andhra Pradesh government's struggles to sell red sanders. Despite permission to auction 11,000 tonnes, no red sandalwood has been sold internationally since the pandemic, with even China showing little interest due to economic slowdown.