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.

Five soldiers of the 11 Maratha Light Infantry were killed, and five others injured when their vehicle veered off the road and plunged 150 feet into a gorge near Ghora Post along the LoC in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 5:40 PM during an operational duty trip from Nilam headquarters to Balnoi Ghora Post. Rescue operations by the Army's quick reaction team and local police are ongoing, with the injured receiving medical attention. The Indian Army’s 16 Corps extended condolences to the bereaved families. Further details are awaited.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was questioned for 4 hours by Hyderabad police regarding a stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the screening of Pushpa 2 on December 4, which led to a woman’s death. Authorities plan to take him to the theatre for scene recreation. His bouncer, Anthony, was arrested for allegedly organizing security, which reportedly contributed to the chaos. Police confronted Arjun over CCTV footage contradicting his claim of leaving early, asserting he exited at 12:05 AM post-stampede. The actor’s father and father-in-law accompanied him at the station, while his legal team reviewed developments at Sandhya Theatre.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun appeared at Hyderabad’s Chikkadpally police station for questioning regarding a December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the Pushpa 2 premiere. The incident resulted in the death of 35-year-old Revathi and injuries to her 8-year-old son. Police are investigating whether Arjun’s visit was authorized and if safety measures were adequate. The actor, accompanied by his lawyer, pledged cooperation. Arjun announced ₹25 lakh aid to Revathi’s family, with producers adding ₹50 lakh. Earlier, Osmania University students vandalized Arjun’s home, demanding ₹1 crore compensation. Police have arrested six individuals involved in the vandalism.

In Uttar Pradesh's Basti district, a minor boy died by suicide after being harassed at a birthday party. His family alleged he was stripped, beaten, and urinated on. Despite reporting the abuse to the police, the complaint was initially ignored. The boy's uncle revealed that the harassment continued, leading to the tragic incident. Police have since registered a case, citing "mutual differences" as the cause. The family claims delayed police action contributed to the boy’s distress. The incident highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement of harassment laws and timely intervention to prevent such tragedies.

Hyderabad police have issued a notice for Telugu actor Allu Arjun to appear before them regarding the stampede that occurred during the screening of 'Pushpa 2' at Sandhya Theatre on December 4, where a 35-year-old woman, Revathi, died. The actor was previously arrested on December 13 but granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court. Police have registered a case against Arjun, his security, and theatre management. Meanwhile, protests erupted at Arjun’s residence demanding justice. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy blamed the actor for defying police orders and exacerbating the situation. Allu Arjun denies allegations of misconduct.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a Christmas event hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi, condemned societal violence, saying, “It pains my heart to see attempts to incite violence in society.” He urged everyone to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ, highlighting love, harmony, and selfless service. Modi referenced India’s humanitarian efforts, adding, “India prioritizes both national and human interests.” He celebrated Cardinal George Koovakad’s elevation by Pope Francis and extended an invitation to the Pope to visit India. This was the first time a Prime Minister visited the CBCI headquarters.

Legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away on December 23, 2024, at 90, after battling chronic kidney disease. He died at 6:30 pm in Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital, his daughter Pia Benegal confirmed. Known as a pioneer of Indian parallel cinema, Benegal delivered classics like Ankur and Manthan. Despite his illness, he celebrated his 90th birthday on December 14 with close friends and family, including actors Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. Awarded the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991, Benegal leaves behind a legacy of thought-provoking films that redefined Indian cinema.