A Delhi court has granted former JNU student leader Umar Khalid a seven-day interim bail from December 28 to January 3 to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid, arrested in 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged involvement in the Delhi riots, had sought a 10-day bail. This marks his latest attempt at bail since being in custody for over four years. His previous bail petitions were rejected, with the most recent denial by the Delhi High Court in December. Khalid continues to claim no physical evidence links him to the riots.

Eight-year-old Sri Tej remains critical on ventilator support after the December 4 stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre during the Pushpa 2 premiere. His mother, Mogudampalli Revathi, died at the scene. Doctors report no neurological improvement and are considering a tracheostomy to aid breathing. Police confirmed Sri Tej suffered brain damage due to lack of oxygen. The stampede, triggered by a massive crowd gathering to see actor Allu Arjun, resulted in multiple injuries. Allu Arjun, initially arrested, was granted interim bail by Telangana High Court. Authorities have booked the theatre management and Arjun’s team for culpable homicide.

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun may face new legal troubles as Telangana police plan to approach the Supreme Court to challenge his interim bail in the Pushpa 2 fan death case. Arjun was arrested on December 13, 2024, after a stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and severe injuries to her 9-year-old son. Granted 4-week bail on a ₹50,000 bond, Arjun expressed remorse, calling the incident “very unfortunate,” and pledged support to the victim's family. He cited legal advice for not visiting them yet but committed to covering their medical and other needs.

A cabin crew member of Air India was arrested for smuggling 1.7 kg of gold at Chennai Airport. Officials said the gold, handed over by a passenger, was found hidden in the crew member's undergarments. Both the passenger and the crew were intercepted on arrival from Dubai and have been taken into judicial custody. In a separate incident, a Kenyan woman was arrested on December 7 for smuggling 90 cocaine capsules worth ₹14.2 crore. She had arrived from Addis Ababa and was caught after medical assistance helped recover the drugs. Customs investigations are ongoing.

The BJP government will table the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in the Lok Sabha on December 17. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present the bill, officially called The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024. The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs to ensure attendance. The bill aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, with local body polls planned later. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, have criticised the move, calling it "anti-democratic." The bill will likely be sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament for further discussion, with its members announced by the Speaker tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Hussain, 73, passed away in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. PM Modi hailed Hussain as a true genius who brought the tabla to global recognition, blending Indian classical music with world traditions. He praised his iconic performances and contributions to cultural unity, saying they will inspire future generations. Hussain, known for revolutionising Indian classical music, was also a Grammy winner. Modi extended heartfelt condolences to Hussain’s family, friends, and the global music community.

Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at 73 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Tributes poured in from Bollywood icons, including Amitabh Bachchan, who called him an "unmatched maestro," and Akshay Kumar, who termed him a "treasure for India's musical heritage." Kangana Ranaut shared an old video, thanking him for enriching India’s legacy. Kamal Haasan expressed gratitude for Zakir's art, while Dia Mirza remembered him as a generous soul. Zakir, son of tabla legend Alla Rakha, leaves behind a six-decade legacy, his wife Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa and Isabella.

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 in a San Francisco hospital due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The eldest son of tabla virtuoso Ustad Allah Rakha, Hussain brought the tabla to global prominence through his rhythmic brilliance and innovative collaborations. Over his six-decade career, he earned five Grammy Awards and all three Padma Awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Renowned for blending Indian classical music with jazz, his groundbreaking 1973 project with John McLaughlin and L Shankar redefined fusion music. Tributes poured in from leaders and celebrities, lauding his unparalleled legacy that continues to inspire worldwide.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, 73, is currently in the ICU of a San Francisco hospital due to heart-related issues. Despite rumors of his death, his publicist confirmed to PTI that Hussain is still alive and being treated. His sister, Khursheed, stated that he is "very critical" but urged fans not to believe misinformation about his passing. Hussain, a Grammy-winning musician, has been hospitalized for over two weeks. His family, including his brother-in-law Ayub Aulia, has called for prayers from his global fanbase. Hussain is one of India's most celebrated musicians, having received multiple prestigious awards.

Actor Allu Arjun, addressing criticism over not visiting the hospitalized victim of the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede, stated, “I remain deeply concerned and pray for his recovery. I’ve been advised not to visit him or his family at this time due to ongoing legal proceedings.” The incident claimed the life of Revathi (35) and left her son critically injured. Arjun, released from jail on Saturday, pledged to support the victim’s family. Critics noted his post-release visits to family and friends, but the actor assured he would meet the family "at the earliest opportunity."