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.

A tourist boat capsized near Calangute beach in North Goa on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring nearly 20 others. The boat, carrying over 20 passengers, capsized 60 metres from the shore due to an engine malfunction. Lifeguards rescued 13 people, including a family of six from Maharashtra. A 54-year-old man was declared dead, while two children and two women were hospitalised. Some passengers were not wearing life jackets, making the rescue harder. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. Lifeguards and rescue teams acted quickly, bringing most passengers safely back to shore.

Actor Allu Arjun and his team announced ₹2 crore aid for an 8-year-old boy injured in the December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre. The tragic incident occurred during the Pushpa 2 premiere, claiming the boy’s mother’s life. The boy, Sritej, is recovering but still needs time for full recovery, doctors said. Producer Allu Aravind pledged ₹1 crore, with ₹50 lakh each from Mythri Movie Makers and director Sukumar. The family confirmed receiving ₹10 lakh. Police questioned Allu Arjun about the case, but his team stated the support was unconditional. The boy's condition remains stable, though progress is slow.

A roadways bus en route from Bhimtal to Haldwani, Uttarakhand, fell into a 100-metre deep gorge, leaving 4 dead and 21 injured. Authorities said the driver lost control near Bhimtal, causing the tragic accident. Locals and SDRF teams rescued the injured, who are receiving treatment at Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences and dispatched a team of doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh to assist. The mishap comes a day after an Army vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 5 soldiers. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun and Pushpa 2 makers pledged ₹2 crore to support the family of Revathi, who died in a stampede during the film's Hyderabad premiere on December 4. Arjun contributed ₹1 crore, with ₹50 lakh each from Mythri Movies and director Sukumar. The announcement was made by Arjun's father, Allu Aravind, at KIMS Hospital, where Revathi’s son Sri Tej is recovering. Criticism arose after Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accused Arjun of attending unauthorized events, allegedly fueling chaos. Arjun, who is out on bail, was questioned by police for 4 hours regarding the incident.

Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin accused West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee of suppressing free expression after her play Lajja was removed from two theatre festivals. Nasrin claimed police pressured organisers of the Gobardanga and Pandua festivals to cancel the play, citing concerns about communal unrest. BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar criticized Banerjee, alleging hypocrisy and appeasement politics. He accused her of stifling art and ignoring attacks on Hindu temples. Nasrin lamented, “The voices of writers are being muzzled.” Police officials have not confirmed their involvement. The incident has sparked debate on artistic freedom and governance in West Bengal.

Congress MLA R Bhoopathi Reddy issued a stern warning to actor Allu Arjun over his remarks about Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. “If you talk about our Chief Minister, be cautious. You are from Andhra. You came here to live,” said Bhoopathi. He added that the actor’s films might be banned in Telangana if he doesn’t stop criticizing the CM. The warning came after a December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre, which left a woman dead. Allu Arjun denied wrongdoing, calling the incident an accident. Police filed a case against him, but he was granted bail on December 14.

Metropolitan Bishop Youhanon Mar Meletius of the Kerala Orthodox Church criticized PM Modi for attending a Christmas event in New Delhi while incidents of vandalism marred celebrations in Kerala's Palakkad district. Three VHP activists were arrested for disrupting school festivities and damaging a Christmas crib. The BJP denied involvement, with state president K Surendran urging a thorough investigation and hinting at possible conspiracies. These incidents challenge the BJP's ongoing Christian outreach efforts, including their annual 'Sneha Yatra' campaign. The bishop’s remarks underscore growing tensions, as he condemned the destruction of Christmas symbols while the PM participated in celebrations elsewhere.

Actor Allu Arjun was questioned for 4 hours by Hyderabad Police over a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Pushpa 2's premiere on Dec 4, which caused the death of Revathi, a 36-year-old woman. Arjun, who appeared with his father and lawyers, stated he learned of the incident the next day. Despite police denying permission for his visit, thousands of fans gathered, leading to chaos. CCTV footage showed security struggling to control the crowd. Arjun, arrested on Dec 13, received bail and announced ₹25 lakh aid for the victim’s family, while the film’s producers provided ₹50 lakh assistance.

Actor Allu Arjun was questioned for 4 hours by Hyderabad Police over a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during Pushpa 2's premiere on Dec 4, which caused the death of Revathi, a 36-year-old woman. Arjun, who appeared with his father and lawyers, stated he learned of the incident the next day. Despite police denying permission for his visit, thousands of fans gathered, leading to chaos. CCTV footage showed security struggling to control the crowd. Arjun, arrested on Dec 13, received bail and announced ₹25 lakh aid for the victim’s family, while the film’s producers provided ₹50 lakh assistance.