A migrant laborer from Chhattisgarh, Ram Narayan Baghel, was lynched in Kerala's Palakkad district after being questioned about his identity. A video shows attackers asking "Are you Bangladeshi?" before beating him to death in Attappallam area. Police cite theft allegations as the trigger, though no stolen property was recovered. Baghel collapsed, vomited blood, and died at the hospital. His family refuses to claim the body, demanding punishment under the SC/ST Act, citing their Dalit background, and seeking Rs 25 lakh compensation. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan promised strict action. CPI(M) alleges the incident reflects "racial hatred spread by RSS."

Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav said false claims are being spread about the Supreme Court of India ruling on the Aravalli range. He said the court ordered conservation through scientific study in Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. He added that the government has always supported a green Aravalli. The court formed a technical panel only to review mining issues. Yadav said no mining is allowed in the NCR region. The judgment allows new mining only in rare cases of need. The Aravalli range has wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves.

An Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai returned shortly after take-off on Monday. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, faced a technical issue mid air. Reports said engine oil pressure dropped to zero on the right engine. The crew shut down the engine as a safety step. The plane landed safely at Delhi airport. About 355 people were on board. Passengers disembarked without injury. The airline arranged another aircraft for the journey. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating. The Ministry of Civil Aviation sought a full report. (PTI/ File)

A video of an Indian pilot taking his 8-month-old son on his very first flight has captured hearts on social media. The clip, shared on Instagram by Gunjan Apte, shows baby Agastya dressed in a tiny pilot-style outfit matching his father Aakash Khanna’s uniform as he experiences the aircraft with wonder. In a touching scene, Khanna brings his son into the cockpit, introducing him to the controls, creating an unforgettable family memory. Social media users have widely praised the joyful moment, dubbing Agastya “Daddy’s little co-pilot” and celebrating the father-son bond. 

An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Captain Virender Sejwal, allegedly assaulted passenger Ankit Dewan at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 following a dispute over queue use during security checks. Dewan claims the pilot called him “illiterate,” sparking a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical attack, leaving Dewan bloodied and traumatising his family, including his children. The airline condemned the act, suspended the pilot and launched an inquiry. Sejwal’s statement counters that Dewan made casteist remarks and threats, framing the incident as personal. The Civil Aviation Ministry and security agencies are probing the case. 

President Droupadi Murmu approved the VB-G RAM G Bill 2025, replacing MGNREGA with a new rural employment framework aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Key changes include increasing guaranteed work days from 100 to 125 annually and shifting funding to a 60:40 Centre-state split from the previous Centre-heavy models. The law introduces a 60-day employment pause during peak agricultural seasons and narrows permissible works to four verticals: water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and climate resilience. The government claims the changes promote cooperative federalism and better outcomes. Opposition leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi criticized removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and argued the Bill dilutes workers' rights-based entitlements. (PC: Reuters & The New Indian Express)

Indian Railways will revise ticket prices from December 26, 2025, increasing non-AC fares by Rs 10 for every 500 km traveled. Ordinary class fares beyond 215 km rise by 1 paisa per kilometer, while Mail/Express Non-AC and AC class fares increase by 2 paise per kilometer. Suburban services, monthly tickets, and journeys under 215 km remain unchanged, protecting daily commuters. The revision aims to address rising operational costs, manpower expenses at Rs 1.15 lakh crore, pensions at Rs 60,000 crore, and total operations at Rs 2.63 lakh crore. Railways expects Rs 600 crore additional revenue this financial year while maintaining affordability and improving safety standards across India's second-largest cargo railway network. (PC: Getty Images)

An Indian pilot's heartwarming video of taking his 8-month-old son Agastya on his first flight has gone viral, earning him the nickname "Daddy's little co-pilot." Shared by Gunjan Apte on Instagram, the footage shows Captain Aakash Khanna introducing young Agastya to the aircraft cockpit. The toddler wore a custom pilot-style outfit matching his father's uniform. The touching moment captured Agastya's wide-eyed wonder as he explored the aircraft, with his father patiently explaining the controls before takeoff. Social media users praised the "proud moment," calling it "the sweetest thing" online. Many commented on the child's confidence and called him a "future pilot in the making."

Dr. Nusrat Parveen, the Muslim AYUSH doctor at the centre of a heated hijab controversy in Bihar, has not yet joined her government posting despite deadlines and extended timelines after a viral video showed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing her hijab during an appointment event in Patna. Officials confirmed she did not report for duty by the expected date and contact with her or her family remains limited, keeping the issue in the spotlight. The widely-shared incident has ignited political and social debate about personal and religious rights — drawing reactions from leaders, bar associations, and rival states, while her future decision on whether to assume the job is still awaited. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Built at a cost of ₹4,000 crore, it is India’s first nature-themed airport terminal. Modi said the project opens “new opportunities” and marks “a new chapter in Assam’s development.” The terminal can handle over 13 million passengers each year, making it the largest in the Northeast. The airport is named after Assam’s first chief minister, whose statue was also unveiled. The terminal was developed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited and uses bamboo-inspired designs.