National News

The DGCA has fined Akasa Rs 10 lakh for not compensating seven passengers who were denied boarding on a Bengaluru-Pune flight on Sept 6, 2024. Akasa grounded the original plane, and the replacement had non-operational seats. Despite arranging an alternate flight with IndiGo, Akasa failed to adhere to compensation rules until a show cause notice was issued.

A Dadar-Porbandar Saurashtra Express derailed near Surat at Kim Station, Gujarat. Four wheels of a non-passenger coach attached next to the engine derailed at 15:32 hrs. No injuries or harm to passengers or railway staff have been reported. Restoration work is ongoing, and senior officers are at the site. Train movement remains unaffected.

Double Olympic bronze-medallist Manu Bhaker admitted a mistake in her nomination for the National Sports Awards after being excluded from the Khel Ratna list. Bhaker remains focused on performing for India despite the controversy. She emphasised that winning medals is her goal, not awards. This follows criticism from her coach and father on the selection committee's decision.

Chennai-born Sriram Krishnan, newly appointed Senior Policy Advisor for AI by President-elect Trump, advocates for the removal of country caps for green cards, emphasizing skill-based immigration. David Sacks clarified Krishnan supports merit-based criteria over an unlimited program.

Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott suffered a hamstring injury in Week 9 of the NFL season but underwent surgery ten days later. Currently focusing on core and upper body strength, Prescott aims to be ready for offseason workouts starting in April. The Cowboys are out of the playoffs despite a recent win.

Manu Bhaker's father, Ram Kishan Bhaker, expressed disappointment in the government for overlooking his daughter for the Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award. Regretting encouraging her sports career, he advised parents to steer their children towards education and prestigious government roles like IAS or IPS instead, highlighting the limited recognition for Olympic athletes in India.

The Election Commission clarified the rise in voter turnout in Maharashtra on polling day is part of a normal process, addressing Congress’s concerns. Between 5 PM and 11:45 PM, turnout rose from 58.22% to 65.02%, with the final reported turnout at 66.05%.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is celebrating Christmas on the ISS with her crew, enjoying holiday traditions, special meals from fresh ingredients, and video calls to loved ones. Despite concerns over her appearing thinner, NASA assures her health is closely monitored. Williams continues her mission, focusing on scientific research and inspiring future space explorers through educational outreach.

A gay couple, William Zulock and Zachary Zulock, received 100-year sentences without parole for sexually abusing their adopted sons. The boys endured horrific abuse, starting at ages three and five, and were exploited to produce pornography. Authorities found extensive digital evidence after an investigation linked to a local abuse network.

Delhi Police busted a major illegal immigration racket, arresting 11 individuals, including document forgers, Aadhaar operators, and tech experts involved in creating fake websites, officials said.

The fall in mercury led to the freezing of water supply lines even as a thin layer of ice covered the surface of several water bodies.

The three-day CPI(M) Tripura State conference will be held at Town Hall from December 29 to 31

Manu Bhaker's name went missing from the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award recommendation list, despite her historic achievements in the 2024 Olympics. The Sports Ministry is considering using executive powers to nominate her, a rare move previously applied to cricketer Mohammed Shami for the Arjuna Award, highlighting extraordinary performance deviations.

The Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020 was touted as a springboard for development of tourist destinations until 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou as his new prime minister, marking his sixth appointment. The government aims to address political and economic challenges. Two former prime ministers join the cabinet, but the absence of left-wing figures and controversy over far-right involvement create challenges.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma confirmed the team is adjusting to used practice pitches before their final training on fresh surfaces ahead of the fourth Test against Australia. He noted the grass covering on the Melbourne Cricket Ground pitch and mentioned weather considerations in deciding whether to play an extra spinner. The series is currently tied at 1-1.

Russian nuclear giant calls Bangladesh anti-graft commission’s remarks as “provocative”.

India managed to draw the third Test in Brisbane, keeping the Border Gavaskar Trophy series level at 1-1. Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali believes this gives India a strong chance to win in Melbourne, which offers a favorable pitch. The series will conclude in Sydney, with Australia under pressure to secure their place in the World Test Championship final.