A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Assam Police has submitted a 3,500-page charge sheet in the mysterious death of acclaimed Assamese singer Zubeen Garg at the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Guwahati on December 12, marking a crucial development in the high-profile case. The extensive document follows nearly three months of investigation, during which over 300 witnesses were examined and seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Garg died on September 19 in Singapore while swimming, during a visit for the North East India Festival. The filing brings the case closer to trial as authorities pursue justice. (PC: PTI)

Animal welfare activists in Mumbai will hold a peaceful rally on December 14 at Vikrant Circle, Ghatkopar, protesting the Supreme Court-approved SOPs for relocating stray dogs. Led by Pure Animal Lovers (PAL) Welfare Foundation, the protest highlights concerns that forced relocation uproots dogs from familiar territories, overcrowds shelters, and may increase human-animal conflicts. Activists argue the policy contradicts humane, community-based methods like sterilisation and vaccination. National animal rights groups and public figures support the rally, emphasizing coexistence over confinement, while organisers also hint at a political push for more animal-friendly policies. (PC: FPJ)

Darjeeling’s historic Glenary’s bar has been ordered closed for 90 days by the West Bengal Excise Department after an inspection found five violations, including unauthorised live performances, improper liquor storage, inaccurate account keeping, and unapproved alterations to the premises — all breaches of excise rules. The bar closure affects the popular winter tourist spot just before the festive season, though Glenary’s restaurant, bakery and café remain open. Owner Ajoy Edwards has called the action politically motivated and plans to challenge it in the High Court. Locals and visitors expressed disappointment at the disruption during peak season. (PC: X)

Wing Commander Shivangi Singh, India’s first woman Rafale fighter pilot, has been appointed to train the next generation of fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force (IAF). She made history in 2020 by becoming the first female pilot to fly the advanced Rafale jets, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication. In her new role, she will mentor and train upcoming fighter crews, sharing her operational expertise and experiences from frontline missions. This milestone highlights the growing presence and recognition of women in India’s defense forces, inspiring more women to pursue careers in aviation. (PC: Instagram)

  A Mumbai visitor, Vaibhavi Chandel, has accused staff and security at Romeo Lane beach shack in Vagator, Goa, of rude behavior and physical assault during her November 1 visit. She claims the venue’s layout was “suffocating” with only one entry and exit, making it hard to leave late at night. According to her account, after a minor obstruction, staff and bouncers chased her group, blocked exits, and struck her relatives with rods. She also alleges being slapped and abused, prompting an FIR against the manager and security personnel. The owners’ names were initially included but later removed by police. (PC: X)  

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, co-owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa where a fire killed 25 people, told a Delhi court they fear being “lynched in Goa” if they return amid public anger, citing social media death threats and demolition of their properties. The Rohini court rejected their transit anticipatory bail plea, noting the seriousness of the case. The brothers fled to Thailand hours after the blaze and are detained there; deportation proceedings are underway. (PC: ANI)

Senior Congress leader and ex-Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at his residence in Latur, Maharashtra, early on Dec. 12, 2025, at the age of around 90, after a prolonged illness. Patil had a long political career, serving as Union Home Minister (2004–08), Lok Sabha Speaker (1991–96), Governor of Punjab & Administrator of Chandigarh (2010–15) and representing Latur in Parliament seven times. He was Home Minister during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, resigning in 2008 taking moral responsibility. Patil is remembered for his decades-long service in Indian politics and roles at the highest levels of government. (PC: INC)

At least nine people were killed and many others injured after a private bus carrying pilgrims plunged into a deep gorge on the Chinturu–Maredumilli ghat road in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh during the night between Thursday and Friday. The bus was returning from a pilgrimage when the driver lost control on the winding road, possibly due to poor visibility and dense fog, causing it to veer off the road. Rescue operations were swiftly launched to save survivors and recover casualties. Several injured passengers have been rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, and investigations are underway.   

Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India's first woman Rafale pilot, has transitioned to the Hawk advanced jet trainer fleet to train future IAF aviators. The Varanasi native, commissioned in 2017 as part of the second women fighter pilot batch, flew MiG-21 Bison before becoming the only woman trained on Rafale during her induction phase. She recently completed the rigorous Flying Instructor Course at Air Force Station Tambaram and was photographed with President Droupadi Murmu during the President's Rafale sortie. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan falsely claimed she was captured after a Rafale shootdown debunked by CNN-News18. She now serves at an IAF training establishment, mentoring trainee pilots with her frontline operational experience.(PC: X)

Karnataka discovered one of India's richest mineral deposits, gold grading 12-14 grams per tonne in Koppal's Amrapur block (4-7× commercially viable levels) and lithium-bearing pegmatites in Raichur's Amareshwara block but cannot mine them due to protected forest reserve restrictions. The November 2025 findings from a 6-lakh-hectare survey across 65 blocks also revealed copper, cobalt, rare earth elements, bauxite, and chromium. Mining requires Stage-I forest clearance from MoEFCC under the Forest Conservation Act 1980, currently not granted due to wildlife corridors, tribal settlements, and environmental concerns. Armed guards now protect sites from illegal prospecting. Commercial mining realistically requires 5-8 years, while India imports 99% of gold and needs 125,000 tonnes lithium by 2030. (PC: Gold Market & Mint)