A chemical-laden truck collided with an LPG tanker, causing a massive fire at a fuel station on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, killing 5 and injuring 24 on Friday. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing 40 vehicles at the Bhankrota fuel station. Over 20 fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze. Jaipur District Magistrate Jitendra Soni confirmed the injured were rushed to Sawai Man Singh Hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed the collision triggered multiple vehicle fires. Authorities are conducting relief operations and investigating the cause. Eyewitnesses described the flames as overwhelming, with efforts to extinguish the fire continuing for hours.

Russian President Vladimir Putin commended India's economic growth and the 'Make in India' initiative under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at his annual press conference in Moscow, Putin highlighted India's position among the top global economies, alongside China and the US. He emphasized the strength of Russia-India ties, mentioning recent discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Putin expressed Russia's interest in expanding manufacturing in India, noting the stability provided by Modi's leadership. The Russian leader also drew parallels between India's 'Make in India' program and Russia's import substitution efforts, lauding their shared focus on economic resilience and development.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing "acts of genocide" in Gaza by restricting water access, damaging infrastructure, and obstructing repairs. The report claims thousands have died from dehydration and disease due to Israeli actions. HRW's executive director, Tirana Hassan, called it a "calculated policy of deprivation." Israel dismissed the report as "propaganda," asserting it facilitates water and aid despite ongoing Hamas attacks. The 179-page report includes interviews, satellite data, and documentation of alleged intent. The International Court of Justice is examining similar accusations. Israel maintains its focus is on Hamas, denying allegations of targeting civilians.

Sukumar's Pushpa 2: The Rule, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, has shattered box office records, grossing ₹1508 crore worldwide within 14 days. Released on December 5, the multilingual film achieved unprecedented milestones, crossing ₹1000 crore in just one week and ₹1400 crore by day 11. The film is now the fastest Indian movie to surpass ₹1500 crore globally. Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar praised the performances, calling Allu Arjun’s portrayal of Pushpa Raj “extraordinary” and lauding the entire team's dedication. The movie explores the life of red sandalwood smuggler Pushpa Raj and his conflicts with law enforcement.

AIIMS researchers in New Delhi have developed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting multiple myeloma, a severe blood cancer. This breakthrough involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells effectively. Initial animal trials have shown promising results. Prof Mayank Singh of BRAIRCH, AIIMS, noted that this therapy could offer an affordable alternative to expensive FDA-approved treatments unavailable to many Indian patients. Clinical validation is pending, but researchers aim to make the treatment accessible. With India facing rising cancer cases, this innovation could significantly reduce the disease burden.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s father, in an exclusive interview with CNN News18, claimed that his son’s retirement from international cricket was driven by years of humiliation. "He was humiliated for a long time," said Ravichandran. Despite Ashwin's impressive record, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the playing XI, which may have contributed to his decision. The family was shocked by the sudden announcement, but Ravichandran hinted that Ashwin’s breaking point had come due to the emotional toll. Ashwin retires with 765 wickets, becoming India’s second-most successful bowler in Test history.                

A confrontation between BJP and Congress escalated on Thursday as both parties filed police complaints accusing each other of assault during protests outside Parliament. BJP MP Pratap Sarangi alleged Rahul Gandhi pushed him, causing injuries, while Congress accused BJP MPs of physically blocking and assaulting their leaders. The clash followed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks on Dr. Ambedkar. BJP leader Anurag Thakur filed a complaint against Gandhi, accusing him of assault and incitement, while Congress lodged a counter-complaint, alleging conspiracy and misconduct. The incident led to a stall in Parliament proceedings amid heightened tensions.

Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected the no-confidence motion against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, deeming it "flawed" and "hasty." The motion, backed by the INDIA bloc, was filed under Article 67(B) but failed to meet the mandatory 14-day notice requirement. Harivansh criticized it as an attempt to tarnish Dhankhar's reputation, citing procedural lapses, including a misspelling of his name. The motion marked a historic first in Rajya Sabha, triggering uproar during the winter session. Defending Dhankhar, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju praised him as a "farmer's son" upholding the House's dignity and rebuked opposition MPs for disrespecting the Chair.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi military sites in Yemen, including Red Sea ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, after intercepting a missile over central Israel. The attack, which damaged a school and vehicles in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, followed Houthi aggression linked to solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Houthi-run media reported nine fatalities, including seven at Salif port and two at Ras Issa oil facility. Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. The ongoing conflict underscores escalating regional tensions amid Gaza-related hostilities.

Virat Kohli confronted an Australian TV journalist at Melbourne Airport ahead of the Boxing Day Test after believing his children were being filmed. The former Indian captain, protective of his family, expressed his displeasure, saying, "With my kids, I need some privacy. You just can't film without asking." Channel 7 clarified the misunderstanding, assuring Kohli the cameras weren't directed at his family. The cricketer, after a heated exchange, resolved the issue amicably, shaking hands with the journalist. Kohli, struggling for form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, eyes the pivotal fourth Test at MCG with the series tied 1-1.