Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh apologised for the ethnic violence that began in May 2023. Speaking at a press conference in Imphal, he urged people to “forgive and forget” the past. “This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and apologise to the people of the state,” Singh said. Over 200 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced. Singh assured that peace was being restored and hoped for normalcy by 2025. He announced measures like resettling families, recovering arms, subsidised airfares, and Aadhaar-linked birth registration to tackle population and migration issues.

Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan commented on the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Allu Arjun’s visit for Pushpa 2. The chaos killed a woman and injured her son. Speaking to reporters, Kalyan said, “The law is equal for all, and police must prioritise public safety.” He added, “It would have been better if someone had visited the victim’s family earlier on behalf of Allu Arjun. The lack of humanity in this matter is deeply disappointing.” Kalyan praised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for his response and urged fair handling of accountability. Public opinion remains divided over the incident.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in India has announced stricter hand baggage rules for air travellers, effective next month. Passengers will be restricted to one cabin bag or handbag weighing up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. Excess baggage fees will apply for exceeding these limits. Tickets purchased before May 2, 2024, will follow the older policy, but rescheduled or reissued tickets must adhere to the new rules. Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India have already aligned with these guidelines, aimed at enhancing airport efficiency and improving security processes.

As heavy snowfall stranded hundreds of tourists between Gagangir and Gund villages in Kagan, Kashmir, locals opened their homes and the Jamia Masjid to offer shelter and warmth. Volunteers from the Civil Society Tehsil Gund helped accommodate over 1,000 tourists, providing food, warm water, and a safe space. The snowfall, which began on Friday and continued into Saturday, caused road closures and flight cancellations. The region welcomed the snow after months of low rainfall, though it caused power outages. Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured restoration efforts were underway.

Thousands of Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants staged protests at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, demanding the cancellation of the 70th preliminary exams over alleged paper leaks. Police resorted to lathi charges and water cannons to disperse protestors who breached barricades near JP Golambar. Demonstrators seek Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s intervention, with activist Prashant Kishor supporting their demand, citing systemic corruption in Bihar’s exams. The district magistrate warned against gatherings at Gandhi Maidan and announced strict action against coaching centers inciting protests. The exams, conducted on December 13, have faced scrutiny due to claims of irregularities and leaked question papers.

Malayalam TV actor Dileep Sankar was found dead in a hotel room in Thiruvananthapuram on December 29, 2024. He had been staying in the city for the shoot of an ongoing serial. Dileep, known for roles in serials like Ammayariyathe and Panchagni, was reportedly dealing with health issues. He had not been seen leaving his room, and his body was discovered after a foul odor emerged. Police have started an investigation, and while no foul play is suspected, further updates are awaited. His untimely death has shocked the Malayalam entertainment industry.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat. Leaders across party lines, including PM Modi, paid tribute to the architect of India’s economic liberalisation. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, led Singh’s final journey from the party headquarters. Foreign dignitaries, including Bhutan’s King and Mauritius’ foreign minister, attended. The Centre allocated space for a memorial after a BJP-Congress spat. A seven-day national mourning period has been declared, with flags at half-mast nationwide. Singh, a two-time PM, was lauded as a visionary economist whose reforms reshaped India’s economic trajectory.

Authorities across major Indian cities are enforcing strict guidelines for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Hyderabad mandates permissions for ticketed events and a ban on drug use, while sound systems must shut down by 10 pm. Bengaluru has introduced security measures, restricted vehicle movement, and set a 1 am party end-time. Mumbai, permitting all-night events, will monitor alcohol consumption, limit terrace parties to midnight, and ban boat parties, a restriction in place since 2008. Proactive security steps, zero tolerance for drink-driving, and arrangements for intoxicated guests’ safe return are in place to ensure smooth festivities.

India will receive 20 more cheetahs from South Africa within two months, marking the next phase of the reintroduction project. Officials at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh, are preparing for their arrival, following the successful translocation of 20 cheetahs earlier. Meanwhile, a 17,000 sq km cheetah corridor is being developed, connecting Madhav Tiger Reserve, Kuno National Park, and Rajasthan’s Ranthambore. Plans also include relocating a female cheetah and her cubs to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary for training. With 24 cheetahs now thriving in Kuno, the ambitious project aims to restore the cheetah population and enhance wildlife tourism in India.

A car driven by Marathi actress Urmila Kothare's driver hit two metro workers near Poisar Metro station in Mumbai’s Kandivali, killing one and severely injuring another. Police reported that the vehicle, traveling at high speed, lost control shortly after midnight. Kothare and her driver sustained minor injuries, saved by timely airbag deployment. A case has been registered against the driver at Samata Nagar Police Station. Kothare is a renowned actress known for films like Duniyadaari and her recent TV comeback. The tragic accident adds to growing concerns over Mumbai's rising road fatalities. Investigations are ongoing.