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)

Kolkata’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, recording **worse Air Quality Index (AQI) levels than Delhi for seven straight days between December 6 and 12. According to data from AQI monitoring sites, Kolkata’s AQI varied from 184 to 439, with peaks reaching the ‘severe’ and even ‘hazardous’ categories, surpassing Delhi’s readings during the same period. On one day, Kolkata hit an alarming AQI of 558, higher than Delhi’s worst at 477. Experts warn that prolonged exposure poses serious health risks, especially for children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. Authorities have not yet issued official statements on the crisis. (PC: The Telegraph)

Luxury fashion house Prada has signed a landmark pact with Indian government‑linked bodies LIDCOM and LIDKAR to bring traditional Kolhapuri chappals to the global fashion stage, blending centuries‑old artisan techniques with modern design. The “Prada Made in India – Inspired by Kolhapuri Chappals” collection will be crafted in India by skilled artisans from Maharashtra and Karnataka and launched worldwide in February 2026 across Prada’s 40 retail outlets and online platforms. Supported by the Maharashtra government, the initiative aims to honour artisans, expand global recognition, and provide training, employment and new opportunities while preserving this GI‑tagged heritage craft. The collaboration follows criticism of a previous Prada collection that featured Kolhapuri‑inspired designs without proper credit, prompting the brand to work directly with local craftspeople. (PC: NDTV)

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has announced her return to competitive wrestling, reversing her retirement with a focus on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 31-year-old had retired after a controversial disqualification at the Paris Olympics, where she was 100 grams over the weight limit, losing a chance at a medal despite reaching the final. After an 18-month break, including childbirth, Phogat revealed she has rediscovered her passion and determination for wrestling. She plans to resume training and competition, aiming to fulfill her Olympic dream. Her comeback is a major boost for Indian wrestling. (PC: India Today)

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)

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) unveiled two new stands named after Indian cricket legends Yuvraj Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on December 11, 2025, before the second T20I between India and South Africa. Harmanpreet’s stand celebrates her leadership in winning the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, while Yuvraj’s honours his role in India’s 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs and his iconic career. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann presided over the ceremony, which also saw cash rewards given to World Cup-winning teammates. 

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)

Iceland has announced it will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, becoming the fifth country to withdraw after Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia in protest at the inclusion of Israel. Iceland’s national broadcaster RÚV said participation would bring “neither joy nor peace” amid domestic debate and unresolved concerns raised with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The boycott intensifies a growing crisis for the contest after the EBU confirmed Israel’s participation despite political tensions linked to the war in Gaza and allegations of voting manipulation. Organizers maintain Eurovision should remain apolitical. (PC: Reuters)

More than 600 valuable artefacts, including objects linked to India’s colonial past, were stolen in a “high-value burglary” at a museum storage site in Bristol, UK on September 25. Items taken from the British Empire and Commonwealth collection include culturally significant pieces such as an ivory Buddha and a waist belt buckle of an East India Company officer, police said. Avon & Somerset Police released CCTV footage of four male suspects and appealed for public help to identify them and recover the artefacts, many of which were donated and historically important. (PC: X)

The United States seized the oil tanker Skipper off Venezuela’s coast, targeting a vessel tied to a “dark fleet” used to move sanctioned oil, in a significant escalation of pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, led by the US Coast Guard under a legal warrant, saw the sanctioned tanker bound for illegal crude transport taken toward a US port, with Washington saying it intends to seize its oil. Caracas condemned the action as “international piracy” and a violation of sovereignty. The move has strained tensions, prompted Russia to reaffirm support for Maduro, and may deter future shadow-fleet shipments. (PC: AFP)