December 19, 2025

H-1B Visa Holders Beware: Stay In Status or Face $100,000 Fee, Warns Attorney

Immigration attorney Rebecca Chen warns H-1B visa holders to maintain valid status in the US. Lapses may trigger a $100,000 fee when filing from outside the US. Employers must file amendments for any job location changes to avoid penalties.

December 19, 2025

French Court Denies Shein Website Suspension Over Childlike Sex Dolls, Orders Age Checks

A French court rejected the government's bid to suspend Shein's website over childlike sex dolls but ordered age checks for adult products. Shein will ban all sex dolls globally.

December 19, 2025

Masked Santas Rob Groceries to Help Needy Canadians Amid Cost of Living Crisis

In Montreal, 40 Santas dressed in red stole thousands of dollars of groceries. They aim to support the poor and protest soaring prices. The group says, “hunger justifies the means.” Grocery chain Metro called it criminal. No arrests yet.

December 19, 2025

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna: India Can Lead in AI and Quantum Computing

IBM’s chief Arvind Krishna says India has the talent to lead global AI and quantum tech. IBM will skill 5 million people by 2030 through new courses and partnerships.

December 19, 2025

Kerala CM Writes to PM Modi Opposing VB-G RAM G Bill, Cites Rs 3,500 Crore Loss

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked Prime Minister Modi to stop implementing the new VB-G RAM G Bill that will replace MGNREGA. He warned it will cost Kerala around Rs 3,500 crore yearly and reduce central help for wages. The CM wants to keep Gandhiji’s name linked with the rural job scheme.

December 19, 2025

Chamarajanagar Launches Campaign to Refund ₹30.51 Crore in Unclaimed Bank Deposits

Chamarajanagar Zilla Panchayat starts ‘Your Money, Your Right’ campaign to return ₹30.51 crore in unclaimed bank deposits to original owners. RBI joins hands to trace depositors and settle accounts, aiming to boost economic activity.

December 19, 2025

India's Forex Reserves Rise $1.689 Billion to $688.949 Billion: RBI

India's forex reserves jumped $1.689 billion to $688.949 billion for the week ending December 12, driven by gains in foreign currency assets and gold reserves, according to RBI data released on December 19.

December 19, 2025

WazirX Users Upset Over Automatic ₹99 Monthly WazirX ZERO Fee

Crypto exchange WazirX auto-enrolled users into WazirX ZERO subscription charging ₹99 monthly. Many traders complain of unexpected deductions and demand opt-in options.

December 19, 2025

Cyberabad Police Wrap Up 8th Annual Sports Meet with Races and New Cop Café Opening

Cyberabad Police closed their 8th Annual Sports Meet with exciting races and the launch of The Cop Café. Over 1,000 personnel joined the thrilling three-day event.

December 18, 2025

J&K Forms Inquiry Committee After Protests Over Santosh Trophy Squad Selection

Jammu and Kashmir government sets up a nine-member team to investigate the controversial football squad picks for Santosh Trophy 2025. Protests erupted over biased selections favoring Kashmir players. The committee must report in seven days.

December 17, 2025

Suspect in Kabaddi Player Murder Shot Dead by Punjab Police in Encounter

Harpinder alias Middu, accused in the Mohali kabaddi player Kanwar Digvijay Singh's killing, was shot dead by police in a firing exchange. Two officers were injured. The victim was shot at a private tournament.

December 16, 2025

West Bengal Govt Issues Notices Over Chaos at Messi Event; Probe Underway

West Bengal government has issued show-cause notices to top officials following mismanagement at the Lionel Messi event. A special investigation team has been set up after chaos at Salt Lake Stadium caused nearly ₹2 crore in damages.

December 19, 2025

Congress no-confidence motion against Haryana BJP govt fails after opposition walkout

The Congress-led no-confidence motion against Haryana BJP government was defeated after opposition MLAs staged a walkout in the State Assembly.

December 19, 2025

MHA Tightens Rules to Speed Up Financial Aid for Poor Prisoners Across India

The Ministry of Home Affairs revamps the Support to Poor Prisoners scheme. New rules set deadlines and require senior officials to act fast. Poor prisoners stuck in jail due to unpaid fines can now get up to ₹25,000 aid quick. Some crimes are excluded from this help.

December 19, 2025

Ernakulam Congress Protests Viral Parody Song Case, Cites Freedom of Expression

Ernakulam Congress staged a protest against legal action on the viral parody song 'Pottiye Kettye'. Leaders claim it's a blow to free speech in Kerala and challenged the government's intolerance.

December 19, 2025

US Funds Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau Amid CDC Guideline Shift

The US plans to spend $1.6 million on a hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau, despite expert warnings of ethical risks. The move follows CDC changes making the birth vaccine an ‘individual decision’ and raises global health concerns.

December 19, 2025

HCL Leader Urges Students to Embrace Tech Trends at P. B. Siddhartha College Fest

Borra Suresh Babu, General Manager at HCL Technologies, encouraged students to embrace new tech and keep learning at the Blitzkrieg fest. The event had quizzes, coding, and more to boost tech skills.

December 19, 2025

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna: India Can Lead in AI and Quantum Computing

IBM’s chief Arvind Krishna says India has the talent to lead global AI and quantum tech. IBM will skill 5 million people by 2030 through new courses and partnerships.

December 19, 2025

TGSPDCL Installs 100+ Pole-Mounted Transformers in Hyderabad to Save Space and Boost Safety

TGSPDCL has installed more than 100 pole-mounted transformers in Hyderabad. This new system saves space, cuts installation time to one day, and improves safety and maintenance.

December 19, 2025

Dubai Police Launch Digital Vehicle Damage Certificate Service for Weather Claims

Dubai Police have launched a new online service that lets motorists get a certificate for vehicle damage caused by weather without visiting a police station. This helps speed up insurance claims after heavy rains and storms in the UAE.

December 19, 2025

US Funds Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau Amid CDC Guideline Shift

The US plans to spend $1.6 million on a hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau, despite expert warnings of ethical risks. The move follows CDC changes making the birth vaccine an ‘individual decision’ and raises global health concerns.

December 19, 2025

Stone Tools from Middle Palaeolithic Era Found in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar

A postgraduate student from the University of Madras found stone tools possibly from the Middle Palaeolithic period in Mallankinaru, Virudhunagar. Experts see this as a major archaeological discovery that could uncover more ancient artefacts with further study.

December 19, 2025

Arctic Rivers Turn Orange as Melting Permafrost Releases Metals in Alaska

In northern Alaska, Arctic rivers have turned orange because melting permafrost releases metals like iron into the water. This natural process changes water chemistry and threatens aquatic life and local communities. Scientists warn this is a clear sign of climate change reshaping polar landscapes.

December 19, 2025

Indian Study Finds Common Drug Meclizine Can Boost TB Treatment by Targeting Immune Cell Metabolism

Researchers reveal that the common drug meclizine can reprogram immune cells to make tuberculosis bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics. This discovery could shorten TB treatment and reduce drug resistance.

December 19, 2025

US Funds Controversial Hepatitis B Vaccine Study in Guinea-Bissau Amid CDC Guideline Shift

The US plans to spend $1.6 million on a hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau, despite expert warnings of ethical risks. The move follows CDC changes making the birth vaccine an ‘individual decision’ and raises global health concerns.

December 19, 2025

Bengaluru Imposes Strict Ban on Equine Movement Near Turf Club to Stop Glanders Outbreak

Bengaluru Urban DC orders a 2-km ban on moving horses, donkeys, and mules near Bangalore Turf Club after glanders cases. Racing events canceled to contain the disease.

December 19, 2025

Severe Cold Wave Hits North Karnataka; Temperatures 4-6°C Below Normal

North Karnataka faces a severe cold wave from December 19 to 23. Temperatures fall sharply with Bidar recording the state’s lowest at 5.5°C. KSNDMC issues yellow alerts and urges safety measures.

December 19, 2025

UK Puberty Blocker Ban Sparks Suicide Risk Warning for Trans Youth in Australia and New Zealand

A UK study found that banning puberty blockers harms transgender youth, causing severe distress and increasing suicide risks. Experts warn similar bans in Australia and New Zealand will lead to tragic outcomes.

December 19, 2025

French Court Denies Shein Website Suspension Over Childlike Sex Dolls, Orders Age Checks

A French court rejected the government's bid to suspend Shein's website over childlike sex dolls but ordered age checks for adult products. Shein will ban all sex dolls globally.

December 19, 2025

Masked Santas Rob Groceries to Help Needy Canadians Amid Cost of Living Crisis

In Montreal, 40 Santas dressed in red stole thousands of dollars of groceries. They aim to support the poor and protest soaring prices. The group says, “hunger justifies the means.” Grocery chain Metro called it criminal. No arrests yet.

December 19, 2025

Four Dead in Rare Mass Stabbing Attack in Taipei Using Smoke Grenades

A violent mass stabbing rocked Taipei, killing four including the attacker after a chaotic rampage with smoke grenades at busy spots. Several others were hurt. The suspect, a 27-year-old ex-soldier, died falling from a building during a police chase.

December 19, 2025

Bengaluru Imposes Strict Ban on Equine Movement Near Turf Club to Stop Glanders Outbreak

Bengaluru Urban DC orders a 2-km ban on moving horses, donkeys, and mules near Bangalore Turf Club after glanders cases. Racing events canceled to contain the disease.

December 19, 2025

Masked Santas Rob Groceries to Help Needy Canadians Amid Cost of Living Crisis

In Montreal, 40 Santas dressed in red stole thousands of dollars of groceries. They aim to support the poor and protest soaring prices. The group says, “hunger justifies the means.” Grocery chain Metro called it criminal. No arrests yet.

December 19, 2025

Supreme Court Rules CSR Must Include Environmental Protection, Cites Great Indian Bustard

The Supreme Court declares corporate social responsibility (CSR) includes protecting the environment. Companies must help save endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard and share duty under the Constitution.

December 19, 2025

Kerala Board Acts to Boost Stray Dog Vaccination and Control Pet Abandonment

Kerala’s Animal Welfare Board pushes for more stray dog vaccines and strict pet dog rules. They want microchips, licences, and new laws to stop dog abandonment on streets.

December 19, 2025

Bengaluru Imposes Strict Ban on Equine Movement Near Turf Club to Stop Glanders Outbreak

Bengaluru Urban DC orders a 2-km ban on moving horses, donkeys, and mules near Bangalore Turf Club after glanders cases. Racing events canceled to contain the disease.

December 19, 2025

National Puppetry Festival Begins in Mysuru with Top Puppetry Teams

The National Puppetry Festival started in Mysuru on December 19. Leading puppeteers from India are performing and sharing their art at Hardwicke School till December 21.

December 19, 2025

Hyderabad Hosts International Short Film Festival 2025 to Boost Young Filmmakers

Hyderabad’s International Short Film Festival 2025 began with ministers highlighting short films as a launchpad for new talent and Telangana's support for cinema growth.

December 19, 2025

The Exclusive Pari Nagaswaram That Inspired Tamil Hit Thillana Mohanambal

The Tamil hit Thillana Mohanambal features a unique challenge involving the rare Pari nagaswaram, an ancient instrument played only at Tiruvarur's Thyagarajaswamy Temple by a 23rd-generation family.

December 19, 2025

Top 10 Must-Read Fiction Books of 2025 Revealed

Discover the 10 standout fiction books of 2025, from gripping thrillers and intimate sagas to vivid explorations of identity and history. Writers like Salman Rushdie, Kiran Desai, and John Banville shine in this diverse literary lineup.

December 19, 2025

Four Dead in Rare Mass Stabbing Attack in Taipei Using Smoke Grenades

A violent mass stabbing rocked Taipei, killing four including the attacker after a chaotic rampage with smoke grenades at busy spots. Several others were hurt. The suspect, a 27-year-old ex-soldier, died falling from a building during a police chase.

December 19, 2025

Trump Suspends Green Card Lottery After Shooting Linked to Lottery Winner

Trump administration halts the Green Card lottery program after a suspect in the Brown University shooting gained entry via this route. The Diversity Visa program, granting 55,000 visas yearly, is now suspended affecting many countries.

December 19, 2025

Colombia’s ELN Guerrillas Attack Military Base with Drones, Kill 6 Soldiers

Colombia’s ELN guerrillas launched a deadly drone attack on a border military base, killing six soldiers and wounding 28. This is their second deadly clash in a week amid stalled peace talks.

December 19, 2025

UN Report Shows Gaza Food Supplies Improving but 100,000 in Catastrophic Condition

UN-backed experts say food supplies in Gaza have improved since the ceasefire, but 100,000 people still face severe hunger. Half a million live in famine-hit areas. Israel denies the report’s claims. The situation remains highly fragile with risks if violence resumes.

December 19, 2025

HCL Leader Urges Students to Embrace Tech Trends at P. B. Siddhartha College Fest

Borra Suresh Babu, General Manager at HCL Technologies, encouraged students to embrace new tech and keep learning at the Blitzkrieg fest. The event had quizzes, coding, and more to boost tech skills.

December 19, 2025

H-1B Visa Holders Beware: Stay In Status or Face $100,000 Fee, Warns Attorney

Immigration attorney Rebecca Chen warns H-1B visa holders to maintain valid status in the US. Lapses may trigger a $100,000 fee when filing from outside the US. Employers must file amendments for any job location changes to avoid penalties.

December 19, 2025

H-1B Visa Holders Beware: Stay In Status or Face $100,000 Fee, Warns Attorney

Immigration attorney Rebecca Chen warns H-1B visa holders to maintain valid status in the US. Lapses may trigger a $100,000 fee when filing from outside the US. Employers must file amendments for any job location changes to avoid penalties.

December 19, 2025

MHA Tightens Rules to Speed Up Financial Aid for Poor Prisoners Across India

The Ministry of Home Affairs revamps the Support to Poor Prisoners scheme. New rules set deadlines and require senior officials to act fast. Poor prisoners stuck in jail due to unpaid fines can now get up to ₹25,000 aid quick. Some crimes are excluded from this help.