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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.