Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, died on December 26, 2024, at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness. He served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was instrumental in India's 1991 economic reforms. Singh’s leadership brought significant economic growth and global recognition for India. He also led key social initiatives like MGNREGA and the Right to Information Act. Known for his calm demeanor, Singh faced challenges like corruption scandals during his tenure. His contributions to India's economy and politics will remain a lasting legacy.

Simran Singh, a 25-year-old Instagram influencer and popular radio jockey, was found dead in her apartment in Gurugram on December 26, 2024. Police suspect suicide, and her body has been handed to her family. Singh, known as "Jammu Ki Dhadkan" by her fans, had over 700,000 followers on Instagram. Her death has sparked condolences from Jammu and Kashmir leaders, including Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They praised her voice and charm, noting her impact on the region’s cultural scene. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of death.

Simran Singh, a 25-year-old radio jockey and Instagram influencer, was found dead in her Gurugram apartment. The police suspect suicide. Simran, known as RJ Simran, had nearly seven lakh Instagram followers and was loved as "Jammu Ki Dhadkan" (Heartbeat of Jammu). A friend staying with her informed the police about her death. Her last Instagram reel, posted on December 13, showed her smiling on a beach with the caption, "Just a girl with endless giggles and her gown." Her body has been handed over to her family. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

India Post abruptly ended its Book Post service on December 18, 2024, causing outrage among readers and publishers. The service, offering affordable nationwide delivery of books at ₹80 for 5 kg, was vital for promoting literacy and education. Without stakeholder consultation, the category was removed from postal software, leaving even postal staff uninformed. Critics argue the decision undermines India’s fragile reading culture, with higher shipping costs deterring purchases. Adding to the blow, a 5% import duty on sample books has drawn backlash. Publishers and literary enthusiasts demand reinstatement of the service to support education and intellectual growth.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with top Telugu film industry representatives in Hyderabad following the stampede during the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, which led to the death of a woman and critical injuries to her son. During the meeting, Reddy emphasized that actors must take responsibility for controlling their fans to maintain law and order. He assured the filmmakers and actors that the government supported them but condemned the actions following Allu Arjun’s arrest in the case. The government is also considering ticket price hikes for films with cultural significance.

Top Tollywood personalities, including Allu Arjun's father Allu Arvind and actor Nagarjuna, met Telangana CM Revanth Reddy following the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede controversy. The incident caused injuries and the tragic death of a woman, prompting scrutiny over benefit shows and ticket price hikes. Producers and actors pledged ₹2 crore to support the victim’s family. This marks Nagarjuna’s first meeting with the CM post the Konda Surekha controversy. BJP alleged political harassment by Congress, accusing it of targeting Telugu cinema. Discussions aimed to repair strained ties and ensure better safety measures for cinema events.

A sexual assault at Anna University in Chennai has led to protests and political blame. The incident occurred on the Guindy campus on Tuesday night when two attackers assaulted a female student and beat her male friend. One suspect has been arrested, and police are investigating. Protests by student groups and the All India Women Welfare Federation are calling for justice. Political parties, including AIADMK and BJP, have criticized the ruling DMK government over law and order, while the DMK defended its actions and condemned the politicization of the issue.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has backed actor Allu Arjun amid criticism following a stampede at a Pushpa 2: The Rule premiere in Hyderabad. Thakur said, “Some people are trying to tarnish Telugu actors who have brought global fame to Indian cinema.” He praised Allu Arjun’s National Award and noted the success of Telugu films like RRR and Baahubali. The controversy intensified after a Telangana Congress MLA warned Arjun to stop commenting on the Chief Minister, threatening to block his films. The stampede, which killed a woman and injured her child, led to Arjun being questioned by police and released on bail.

Doctors in Kolkata, under the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), are intensifying protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August. Demonstrations near Dorina Crossing are set to continue beyond December 26, pending police permission. Protesters demand the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) expedite its chargesheet against Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal, previously released on bail. Doctors also criticized forensic findings and alleged evidence tampering. Nationwide protests earlier spotlighted the incident, pressing for justice and improved security for medical professionals.

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a Zomato delivery agent was compelled to remove his Santa Claus costume by a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch on Christmas. The group’s district convenor, Sumit Hardia, questioned the delivery company’s decision to dress agents in non-Hindu festival attire, claiming it disrespected Hindu traditions. A video showed Hardia asking, "Do you ever go to homes dressed as Lord Ram?" The delivery agent explained it was a company directive. Hardia alleged such costumes promote religious conversions and called for similar acknowledgment of Hindu festivals. The incident has sparked a broader conversation on cultural sensitivity.