December 18, 2025

India Eases E-Visa Process for Foreign Experts in Manufacturing

India has simplified the e-visa process for foreign engineers and experts. Indian firms can now quickly invite specialists needed for machinery installation, quality checks, and training through the new EB-4 visa and online sponsorship system.

December 18, 2025

OpenAI, Google, Perplexity Offer Free AI Plans to Win India's Massive User Market

OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity have launched free AI plans in India to attract millions of users and collect crucial multilingual data. Usage of ChatGPT soared 607%, making India the largest market for these AI tools.

December 18, 2025

ANZ Shareholders Hit ‘Second Strike’ Over Executive Pay Amid Scandals and Job Cuts

ANZ shareholders delivered a rare second strike against the bank’s pay plans at a tense meeting. This comes after heavy fines and scandals. Staff cuts and union protests added fuel to the fire.

December 18, 2025

China to Charge 13% VAT on Condoms, Contraceptives from 2025 Amid Birthrate Push

Starting January 1, China will tax condoms and contraceptives at 13%, ending a 30-year exemption. The move is part of tax reforms amid efforts to raise the birthrate. The tax hike has sparked public ridicule and raises questions on government strategy.

December 18, 2025

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Reply on VB-G RAM-G Bill as Lok Sabha Debates Air Pollution and Passes Nuclear Energy Bill

On December 18, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will respond on the VB-G RAM-G Bill in Lok Sabha. The house will also focus on Delhi NCR air pollution and discuss other key legislative matters including the nuclear energy and insurance bills.

December 18, 2025

ANZ Shareholders Hit ‘Second Strike’ Over Executive Pay Amid Scandals and Job Cuts

ANZ shareholders delivered a rare second strike against the bank’s pay plans at a tense meeting. This comes after heavy fines and scandals. Staff cuts and union protests added fuel to the fire.

December 18, 2025

Bihar Men Asked to Return ₹10,000 Mistakenly Sent Under Women’s Scheme; Questions Raised

Bihar govt sends notices to men who wrongly got ₹10,000 under Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Some say money spent on festivals, others demand their votes back. Probe ordered after Opposition alleges cash transfer was a vote-buying attempt.

December 18, 2025

Russian Intelligence Targets Belgium Over €185bn Frozen Assets Amid EU Funding Debate for Ukraine

Russian intelligence is pressuring Belgian politicians and finance leaders to block EU plans using €185bn frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. EU leaders debate a €90bn loan to support Kyiv’s war effort through 2027. Belgium demands legal safeguards amid threats to Euroclear executives and politicians.

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 16, 2025

Nagapattinam Launches Sailing Training for Fishermen's Children Ahead of Deputy CM Visit

Nagapattinam district sets up sailing training inside its port for children of fishermen. Royal Madras Yacht Club supports this new eco-friendly sport initiative to nurture local talent. Velankanni beach water sports also planned to boost tourism and provide jobs.

December 15, 2025

Calcutta High Court to Hear PILs Seeking CBI Probe into Messi Event Violence

Three PILs demand central probe into chaos and vandalism at Lionel Messi's Salt Lake Stadium event. Arrests made; court debate on investigation underway.

December 18, 2025

Meghalaya MP Highlights Drug Smuggling Rise After NGT Coal Mining Ban

Meghalaya MP Dr. Kharlukhi urges the Centre to speed up scientific mining in the state. He warns the coal mining ban has hurt families and fueled drug smuggling in old mining zones.

December 18, 2025

NSW Aims to Ban Recreational Hunting as Reason for Gun Ownership After Bondi Massacre

Following the Bondi massacre, NSW plans strict new gun laws, including ending recreational hunting as a reason for owning guns. The move aims to cut down over 1.1 million firearms in the state.

December 18, 2025

Supreme Court to Review Delhi's Stray Dog Rules Amid Inhumanity Claims

The Supreme Court will play a video questioning 'what is humanity' in the next hearing of the Delhi stray dog case. It responds to concerns over inhuman treatment by authorities amid rising dog bite incidents.

December 18, 2025

Karnataka Minister Unveils Statue of Veteran Leader B. Shankaranand in Belagavi

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi unveiled a bronze statue of B. Shankaranand, a veteran Dalit leader and former Union Minister, in Belagavi. The statue honors Shankaranand’s lasting impact on politics and development in northern Karnataka.

December 18, 2025

AI-Fueled Misinformation Floods Social Media After Bondi Beach Attack

After the Bondi beach terror attack that killed 15, AI-powered fake news and deepfakes spread quickly on social media, obscuring facts and fueling false claims about the event and people involved.

December 18, 2025

India Eases E-Visa Process for Foreign Experts in Manufacturing

India has simplified the e-visa process for foreign engineers and experts. Indian firms can now quickly invite specialists needed for machinery installation, quality checks, and training through the new EB-4 visa and online sponsorship system.

December 18, 2025

OpenAI, Google, Perplexity Offer Free AI Plans to Win India's Massive User Market

OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity have launched free AI plans in India to attract millions of users and collect crucial multilingual data. Usage of ChatGPT soared 607%, making India the largest market for these AI tools.

December 18, 2025

Ukraine Builds Secret Flamingo Cruise Missiles to Boost War Effort

Ukraine is secretly producing Flamingo cruise missiles at hidden factories to strengthen its defense. Over 50% of weapons used on the front line are now made locally to fight Russian forces.

December 18, 2025

Women More Willing to Donate Organs in India Yet Men Receive Most Transplants

New data from India reveal women are more eager than men to donate organs after death. However, men receive around 65% of organ transplants. Living donations are common, but deceased donations lag behind globally.

December 18, 2025

Indian Scientists Model Bird Flu Spread to Humans; Warn of Narrow Window to Stop Outbreak

Indian researchers used computer simulations to predict how bird flu (H5N1) might spread from birds to humans. They warn that quick action—like quarantining early cases—can stop the virus. Delay lets it spread fast and wide, causing a pandemic.

December 18, 2025

Sharks Spotted Swimming Inside Active Underwater Volcano Kavachi

In a stunning discovery, sharks were filmed calmly swimming inside Kavachi, a fiery underwater volcano. Despite its acidic, hot waters and frequent eruptions, hammerhead and silky sharks, plus stingrays, thrived in its crater. Scientists used robots to study this 'Sharkcano,' raising new questions about marine life survival in extreme environments.

December 17, 2025

Study Links Problematic Pornography Use to Anxiety and Stress Among Indian Adults

A NIMHANS study reveals that anxiety and stress are key predictors of problematic pornography use among Indian adults. Early exposure and psychological distress lead to compulsive patterns harming mental health.

December 18, 2025

Delhi-NCR Imposes Strict Stage IV Air Pollution Curbs; 50% Work From Home Made Mandatory

Delhi-NCR hits severe air pollution with 'very poor' AQI of 358. Stage IV GRAP restrictions start: 50% offices work from home, vehicle controls, and construction bans.

December 18, 2025

Bareilly Closes Schools Up To Class 8 For 3 Days Amid Dense Fog and Cold Wave

Bareilly district orders closure of schools from Classes 1 to 8 till December 20 due to thick fog and cold wave. Authorities warn of strict action against violations but allow exams as scheduled.

December 18, 2025

US House Passes Bill to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Minors, Criminalizing Treatments

The US House passed a Republican bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, making such medical procedures federal crimes. Sponsored by Marjorie Taylor Greene, it now moves to the Senate with uncertain future.

December 18, 2025

Women More Willing to Donate Organs in India Yet Men Receive Most Transplants

New data from India reveal women are more eager than men to donate organs after death. However, men receive around 65% of organ transplants. Living donations are common, but deceased donations lag behind globally.

December 18, 2025

Meghalaya MP Highlights Drug Smuggling Rise After NGT Coal Mining Ban

Meghalaya MP Dr. Kharlukhi urges the Centre to speed up scientific mining in the state. He warns the coal mining ban has hurt families and fueled drug smuggling in old mining zones.

December 18, 2025

Bomb Threats Evacuate Mumbai Courts, Including Bombay High Court

Bomb threats hit Mumbai courts and banks on December 18, 2025. Authorities evacuated buildings and checked security. All cleared safe. Court sessions paused then resumed.

December 18, 2025

NSW Aims to Ban Recreational Hunting as Reason for Gun Ownership After Bondi Massacre

Following the Bondi massacre, NSW plans strict new gun laws, including ending recreational hunting as a reason for owning guns. The move aims to cut down over 1.1 million firearms in the state.

December 18, 2025

Supreme Court to Review Delhi's Stray Dog Rules Amid Inhumanity Claims

The Supreme Court will play a video questioning 'what is humanity' in the next hearing of the Delhi stray dog case. It responds to concerns over inhuman treatment by authorities amid rising dog bite incidents.

December 18, 2025

Meghalaya MP Highlights Drug Smuggling Rise After NGT Coal Mining Ban

Meghalaya MP Dr. Kharlukhi urges the Centre to speed up scientific mining in the state. He warns the coal mining ban has hurt families and fueled drug smuggling in old mining zones.

December 18, 2025

Supreme Court to Review Delhi's Stray Dog Rules Amid Inhumanity Claims

The Supreme Court will play a video questioning 'what is humanity' in the next hearing of the Delhi stray dog case. It responds to concerns over inhuman treatment by authorities amid rising dog bite incidents.

December 18, 2025

Stl’eluqum the Steller Sea Lion Freed from Deathly Rope in Cowichan Bay

A female 330-pound Steller sea lion, entangled in a tight orange rope around her neck, was rescued in Cowichan Bay, British Columbia. After weeks of searching, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society team, aided by the Cowichan Tribes, sedated and freed her just in time. Named Stl’eluqum, meaning “fierce,” she was treated and safely released.

December 18, 2025

Delhi-NCR Imposes Strict Stage IV Air Pollution Curbs; 50% Work From Home Made Mandatory

Delhi-NCR hits severe air pollution with 'very poor' AQI of 358. Stage IV GRAP restrictions start: 50% offices work from home, vehicle controls, and construction bans.

December 18, 2025

Nick Reiner Faces Court in Parents' Murder Case; Family Breaks Silence

Nick Reiner appeared in court for murder charges of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Their children, Jake and Romy, express deep pain and ask for privacy.

December 18, 2025

Oscars to Stream on YouTube from 2029, Ending ABC TV Run

The Academy Awards will move from ABC to YouTube starting 2029. This digital shift aims to reach global audiences where they watch most. The Oscars will live stream free worldwide, marking the first time the show is mainly online.

December 18, 2025

Oscars to Stream Exclusively on YouTube from 2029, Ending ABC Run

The Oscars will move from ABC to YouTube in 2029 under a new multi-year global deal. The show will be free to watch live and online until 2033.

December 17, 2025

Prasar Bharati Unveils Draft Content Syndication Policy 2025 for Public Feedback

Prasar Bharati has shared its draft Content Syndication Policy 2025 for public feedback. The policy aims to monetise content and boost cultural outreach through strategic partnerships and flexible licensing.

December 18, 2025

Tony Burke Backs ASIO Despite Concerns Over Bondi Attack Suspects' Philippines Trip

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stands by ASIO after reports question how father-son attackers traveled to Philippines without alerts. Akram charged with 59 crimes including murder.

December 18, 2025

Heavy Rains Worsen Crisis for Displaced Gazans, UN Warns of Deaths

Heavy rains in Gaza have worsened conditions for displaced Palestinians. UN agencies report dangers from hypothermia and collapsing buildings with several deaths.

December 18, 2025

US Embassy Warns Against Travel Near Thailand-Cambodia Border After Fighting Resumes

The US embassy has warned its citizens to stay 50 km away from the Thailand-Cambodia border. Fighting flared again after a failed Trump peace deal. Both sides report heavy cross-border fire and violence remains unpredictable.

December 18, 2025

Bodies of Two Indians Killed in Russia-Ukraine War Arrive in Delhi; 59 Missing

Two Indians forced into the Russian Army died in the Ukraine war. Their bodies arrived in Delhi on December 17. At least 59 others remain missing. Families had warned the government and protested for help.

December 18, 2025

AI-Fueled Misinformation Floods Social Media After Bondi Beach Attack

After the Bondi beach terror attack that killed 15, AI-powered fake news and deepfakes spread quickly on social media, obscuring facts and fueling false claims about the event and people involved.

December 18, 2025

Stl’eluqum the Steller Sea Lion Freed from Deathly Rope in Cowichan Bay

A female 330-pound Steller sea lion, entangled in a tight orange rope around her neck, was rescued in Cowichan Bay, British Columbia. After weeks of searching, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society team, aided by the Cowichan Tribes, sedated and freed her just in time. Named Stl’eluqum, meaning “fierce,” she was treated and safely released.

December 18, 2025

Karnataka Minister Unveils Statue of Veteran Leader B. Shankaranand in Belagavi

PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi unveiled a bronze statue of B. Shankaranand, a veteran Dalit leader and former Union Minister, in Belagavi. The statue honors Shankaranand’s lasting impact on politics and development in northern Karnataka.

December 18, 2025

Bareilly Closes Schools Up To Class 8 For 3 Days Amid Dense Fog and Cold Wave

Bareilly district orders closure of schools from Classes 1 to 8 till December 20 due to thick fog and cold wave. Authorities warn of strict action against violations but allow exams as scheduled.