External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India will act in its national interest without fear. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, he stated that India would not let others dictate its choices. He stressed blending tradition with modern technology for growth. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of preserving India’s heritage while becoming a global power. He said India’s achievements in the past decade show its capabilities and commitment to progress. He urged the younger generation to value India’s culture and traditions. Jaishankar added that India is rediscovering its identity and becoming a strong voice on the global stage.

A multi-storey building collapsed in Mohali’s Sohana village on Saturday evening, killing 2 people. Rescuers worked all night to find those trapped under the debris. A 20-year-old woman from Himachal Pradesh and a man from Haryana’s Ambala lost their lives. The collapse happened due to excavation work on a nearby plot, causing the land to sink. The building owners have been booked for negligence. Rescue teams, including the Army and NDRF, continue their efforts. Hospitals in the area are on alert. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed grief and assured strict action against those responsible.

A three-storey building collapsed in Mohali, Punjab, on December 21, 2024, killing a 20-year-old woman and leaving several others trapped under the debris. The building housed a gym on all three floors, and it collapsed during excavation work in the adjacent building’s basement. Rescue operations are underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and fire services working to rescue those trapped. Medical teams are also on standby. Authorities have registered a case against the building owners, Parwinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh.

AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi criticized Telugu actor Allu Arjun in the Telangana Assembly for his alleged insensitivity following a stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad. The December 4 incident at Sandhya Theatre left a woman dead and her son injured. Owaisi claimed Arjun, after learning about the tragedy, commented the movie "would now be a hit" and later waved to fans from his car. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy added that police had denied screening permission. Arjun, arrested on December 13, secured bail but spent a night in custody due to procedural delays.

A multi-storey building collapsed in Punjab’s Mohali, Sohana village, on Saturday, leaving several feared trapped. Rescue operations involving the NDRF, fire brigade, and police are underway, with two excavators deployed to clear debris. SSP Mohali, Deepak Pareek, stated, "We have no estimate of how many are trapped; the cause will be investigated." Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise during the collapse. Authorities are working urgently to locate survivors. The situation remains fluid as rescue teams intensify their efforts. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses into the mishap's cause.

On December 18, a ferry sank off the coast of Mumbai after a Navy boat collision. CISF Constable Amol Savant and his team were the first responders, reaching the site quickly. The rescuers found panic-stricken parents attempting to throw their children into the sea to save them. Savant stopped them, reassuring them that help was on the way. The CISF team rescued about 50–60 people, including 6–7 children. They also performed CPR on several victims. The two CISF personnel involved in the rescue will be recommended for a life-saving medal.

A gas tanker crash on Jaipur-Ajmer highway triggered a massive fire, killing 11 people and critically injuring several others. The blaze, caused by a damaged LPG outlet nozzle, engulfed 37 vehicles and nearby buildings. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of people trapped in burning vehicles. Hospitals reported 43 injured, with 7 on ventilator support. Rajasthan’s government announced ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹1 lakh for the injured. Fire brigades faced difficulty reaching the site as chaos unfolded. The tragedy underscores safety concerns on India’s highways, demanding stricter measures to prevent such incidents.

India has lodged a formal protest with Bangladesh over a now-deleted Facebook post by Mahfuj Alam, an aide to Muhammad Yunus. Alam suggested India should acknowledge the uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Prime Minister. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized caution in public discourse and reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh. The protest comes amidst rising violence against minorities, with 2,200 incidents reported in Bangladesh in 2024, including attacks on Hindu temples. The MEA urged Bangladesh and Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of Hindus in their respective countries.

A gas tanker crash on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway early Friday caused a massive fire, killing 11 people and injuring over 35. Survivors described horrifying scenes. “Those who could jump out survived, but many were burned inside,” said an eyewitness. Flames and thick smoke were visible from a kilometre away. Over 30 vehicles were destroyed in the inferno. Another survivor recalled, “We heard a loud blast and broke the bus window to escape.” Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma visited the injured and ensured proper medical aid. Police are working to identify victims, and traffic on the highway remains blocked.

A gas tanker crash on Jaipur-Ajmer highway caused a devastating explosion, killing 8 and injuring over 40 people early Friday. The tanker collided with vehicles near a petrol pump, sparking massive flames and black smoke visible for kilometers. At least 30 vehicles were gutted in the fire. Eyewitnesses described multiple explosions and narrow escapes, as some broke windows to flee burning buses. Rescue teams rushed to pull out charred bodies while injured victims were admitted to SMS Hospital. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma visited the injured, assuring medical care. Authorities suspended highway traffic during rescue operations.