Manu Bhaker, 22, India’s first Independence-era athlete to win two Olympic medals at Paris 2024, is heartbroken over her exclusion from the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna shortlist. "I shouldn't have gone to the Olympics and won medals for the country," Bhaker told her father after the snub. Despite clinching two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol events and applying for the award, her name was overlooked. Bhaker’s father called the decision “devastating” and urged the government to recognize her efforts. Fans criticized the sports ministry, highlighting her 28-medal tally post-Tokyo. "Her achievements deserved automatic recognition," a source remarked.

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.

Sebastian Zapeta, a migrant from Guatemala deported in 2018, has been charged with murder and arson after setting a woman ablaze aboard an F train at New York's Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue subway station. Surveillance footage showed Zapeta igniting the victim’s clothes, killing her instantly. Police apprehended him with a lighter linking him to the crime. Authorities confirmed his illegal re-entry into the US after deportation. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the attack "depraved." US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to detain Zapeta again. Officials pledged swift justice for the horrifying crime.

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.

Cadbury, the iconic Birmingham-based chocolate maker, has lost its royal warrant after 170 years. Granted its first warrant by Queen Victoria in 1854, the company was excluded from King Charles' revised list. The US-owned Mondelez International expressed disappointment but respected the decision. Campaigns urging removal of warrants from companies operating in Russia, including Mondelez, influenced the move. The withdrawal impacts Cadbury’s branding, as the royal seal must be removed. Experts say the decision reflects changing royal priorities while marking a significant shift in Cadbury's legacy. Cadbury celebrated its 200th anniversary earlier this year.

Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted again on Monday, sending columns of lava up to 80 meters (262 feet) into the air. The eruption occurred in the southwestern section of the caldera, with molten rock spraying from fissures. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory confirmed lava fountains reached impressive heights and volcanic gas and particles are soaring 6,000-8,000 feet into the atmosphere. This eruption follows a series of regular eruptions since 1983. The volcanic activity could cause hazardous vog, impacting air quality and potentially affecting wildlife and crops.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun left his Hyderabad home for police questioning on Tuesday in connection with a fatal stampede during the premiere of his film Pushpa 2: The Rise. The incident, which occurred earlier this month at a theatre, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old woman. The actor’s residence was heavily secured by police, following Sunday's incident when a group of men, claiming to be Osmania University students, vandalized the property. Authorities are investigating the events surrounding the stampede, with further developments expected.

In his first Christmas message as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer expresses optimism for the year ahead. Acknowledging the difficult times, particularly regarding the economy, Starmer urges people to focus on family, friendship, and caring for one another. He also emphasized the importance of peace, especially in the Middle East. Starmer’s message comes almost six months into his leadership, with ongoing criticism of his party's handling of the economy. He thanked essential workers and wished a Merry Christmas to everyone across the UK, encouraging unity and hope for a brighter 2025.

Asteroid 2024 XN1, nicknamed the "Christmas Eve asteroid," will pass Earth at 14,743 mph on December 24. The asteroid, which is roughly the size of an airplane, will make its closest approach at 02:56 am GMT. Measuring between 95 to 230 feet, it carries a destructive potential equivalent to 12 million tonnes of TNT. Despite being classified as a "near miss," the asteroid poses no collision risk, passing 4.48 million miles away from Earth. Discovered on December 12, it is being monitored by NASA and the European Space Agency, emphasizing the importance of tracking near-Earth objects.

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.