Times of India

Ministry of defence signed a Rs 7,629 crore contract with L&T for 100 K-9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers, adding to the 100 already in service. These 155mm guns, with a 28-38 km range, are designed for high-altitude deployment along the China border and boost the Army's firepower amid modernization efforts and lessons from the Ukraine war.

The US government teeters on the edge of a shutdown as Republicans, influenced by Trump and Musk, rejected a bipartisan funding deal. Their proposed three-month extension also failed, threatening a partial shutdown on Saturday. Millions of federal workers face furloughs, impacting essential services and the economy, echoing past shutdown crises.

Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi, arrested for allegedly using derogatory language against state minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, has been granted bail. Ravi criticized the Congress government, calling their actions dictatorial and alleging a plot to kill him using a false complaint. He also accused the police of inaction regarding his own complaints.

India lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a Facebook post by Mahfuz Alam, an adviser to the interim government, suggesting annexation of Indian territories. Alam's post, made on Bangladesh's Victory Day, accused India of containing Bangladesh's growth and linked past events to efforts to reduce Bangladesh's dependence on India. The post has since been deleted.

The Telangana High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to BRS MLA KT Rama Rao until December 30 in the Formula E race case. The ACB had filed a case against Rama Rao, alleging unauthorized payments and foreign currency transactions related to organizing the race. The case is scheduled for further hearing on December 27.

India's Parliament was informed that 2,200 cases of violence against minorities were reported in Bangladesh this year until December 8, while Pakistan saw 112 cases until October. India has expressed concerns to both nations, urging them to ensure the safety and well-being of minorities. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh.

India has expressed serious concern to the US government regarding threats made by Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra. Pannun, designated a terrorist, accused Kwatra of coordinating with Russian agencies against pro-Khalistan Sikhs. India expects the US to address these security concerns.

YouTube is cracking down on clickbait in India. The platform will remove videos with misleading titles and thumbnails. The new rules focus on news and current events. Creators will have time to adapt to the guidelines. Enforcement begins with new uploads. YouTube aims to improve user experience and combat misinformation.

The ICC confirmed a hybrid model for the 2025 Champions Trophy, with India's matches at a neutral venue due to security concerns in Pakistan. Out-of-favour Ahmad Shahzad's recently made a sarcastic suggestion of a border stadium for India-Pakistan matches highlighting the complexities. Shahzad believes Pakistan lost a golden opportunity to host India, dimming future prospects.

A Bengaluru techie's mother has filed a habeas corpus plea in the Supreme Court seeking custody of her four-year-old grandson after her son's suicide. The techie had accused his wife and in-laws of harassment in a suicide note and video. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Haryana, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh governments, with a hearing scheduled for January 7, 2025. The child's whereabouts are currently unknown.

Australia's selectors have drafted uncapped teenager Sam Konstas into the squad for the crucial Boxing Day Test against India. Seeking a more dynamic approach against India's potent pace attack, selectors aim to shake up their struggling top order. Konstas' unique batting style offers a potential solution to the slow scoring rates of Khawaja, McSweeney, and Labuschagne.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan accused BJP MPs of feigning injuries during a parliamentary clash, suggesting their dramatic falls deserved acting awards. The confrontation stemmed from INDIA bloc protests against alleged disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Bachchan questioned the BJP's narrative, while Rahul Gandhi denied allegations of pushing and misbehavior.

Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman's house steps were demolished in an "anti-encroachment" drive. He was also fined ₹1.91 crore for alleged electricity theft and his power supply disconnected. Rehman faces charges related to November's mosque survey violence. His father, Mamlukur Rehman Barq, was booked for threatening officials during the electricity inspection.

Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi, arrested for derogatory remarks against a minister, accused the Congress government of acting like dictators. He alleged a conspiracy to kill him through a false case. Fellow BJP leader HD Kumaraswamy condemned the attack on Ravi and questioned the state's democratic values and police conduct.

The high-flying Milwaukee Bucks, fresh off their Emirates NBA Cup victory, face a tough test against the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. With Damian Lillard out, the Bucks face an uphill battle against a Cavs team that has dominated recent matchups. The game tips off Friday, December 20th at 7:30 PM ET.

US expresses serious concerns over Pakistan's advancing long-range missile program, capable of reaching American soil. Washington imposed sanctions on Pakistan's National Development Complex and private companies, marking a shift in US-Pakistan relations. Islamabad dismisses US concerns, citing the program as defensive and aimed at countering India, while Washington questions Pakistan's intentions and its growing ties with China.

A horrific accident occurred on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway. A chemical truck and LPG tanker collided. A massive fire erupted. Several vehicles, including a bus, caught fire. Eleven people died. Over 40 people suffered injuries. Survivors escaped through bus windows. Many injured have severe burns. Officials are providing medical assistance.

Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga's predictions for 2025 range from unsettling to hopeful. A European war, alien contact, and telepathy development are foreseen, alongside lab-grown organs, a new energy source, and Lewis Hamilton's 8th championship win. Increased natural disasters, a new world system, medical breakthroughs, global tensions, a new currency, and a space exploration era are also predicted. Some of her forecasts have been contested, but others have extraordinarily materialized.

Nineteen-year-old Isabella Strahan, daughter of NFL legend Michael Strahan, triumphed over cancer and embarked on a modeling career. Five months post-chemotherapy, she graced the cover of Town & Country and appeared for The Woman 360. Her journey, documented on YouTube, showcases her resilience and family support as she balances modeling with studies at USC.