Eight-year-old Sri Tej remains critical on ventilator support after the December 4 stampede at Hyderabad's Sandhya Theatre during the Pushpa 2 premiere. His mother, Mogudampalli Revathi, died at the scene. Doctors report no neurological improvement and are considering a tracheostomy to aid breathing. Police confirmed Sri Tej suffered brain damage due to lack of oxygen. The stampede, triggered by a massive crowd gathering to see actor Allu Arjun, resulted in multiple injuries. Allu Arjun, initially arrested, was granted interim bail by Telangana High Court. Authorities have booked the theatre management and Arjun’s team for culpable homicide.

Rain ended the thrilling 3rd Test between India and Australia at Gabba in a draw, keeping the series tied at 1-1. Persistent rain allowed only 2.1 overs in India's second innings after Australia set a target of 275. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep starred with the ball, taking crucial wickets. Earlier, their 39-run last-wicket partnership helped India avoid the follow-on. Australia's aggressive batting, led by Travis Head (Player of the Match), aimed to force a result, but weather dictated otherwise. Both teams now shift focus to the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.

Two Indian-origin men, Jaskaran Singh Sidhu and Prabhjyot Bhatti, both 25, received life imprisonment in Canada for the 2019 revenge killing of Indian-origin drug dealers Jasdeep Singh (25) and Japneet Malhi (22). The attack, orchestrated by gang leader Amandeep Saggu, stemmed from a 2016 stabbing incident. The victims were ambushed outside a lounge in Calgary. Saggu, who pled guilty to manslaughter last year, is serving an 8-year term. Sidhu and Bhatti, who fired the fatal shots, plan to appeal the jury’s verdict, citing trial errors. The case underscores escalating gang violence among Indian-origin groups in Canada.

India requires 267 runs to secure victory on Day 5 of the 3rd Test against Australia in Brisbane. Chasing a target of 275, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began India’s innings, while Australian bowlers aim to claim quick wickets. Earlier, Australia declared at 89/7, with Pat Cummins (22) and Alex Carey (20) contributing. Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj picked 2 each. India’s first innings ended at 260. The match hangs in balance as both teams battle for a decisive result.

Canada has announced a $1.3B plan to strengthen US border security after President-elect Donald Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc revealed measures targeting illegal drugs and irregular migration, including aerial surveillance, canine drug-detection teams, and a joint Canada-US strike force. The initiative aims to secure borders while maintaining trade and travel essential to North America’s economy. Trump had expressed concerns about fentanyl trafficking and undocumented migration. Meanwhile, LeBlanc begins his term amidst political turbulence following Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister, which has strained Prime Minister Trudeau’s minority government.

US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs on nations levying high duties on American goods, naming India and Brazil. "If India charges us 100%, we’ll charge them the same," Trump declared, emphasizing fairness in trade. Commerce Secretary-designate Howard Lutnick reinforced the stance, highlighting "reciprocity" as central to upcoming trade policies. Meanwhile, the outgoing Biden administration assured that US-India relations remain strong, citing recent high-level engagements like the QUAD summit. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed optimism about continued bilateral cooperation under Trump’s leadership, despite the new administration’s stricter trade approach.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and 19 BJP MPs skipped the Lok Sabha session on the One Nation, One Election Bill, defying a three-line party whip. The absence of these MPs, including Giriraj Singh and Jyotiraditya Scindia, has raised concerns, with sources indicating possible notices for their absence. The Bill, introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, received 269 votes in favor and 198 against during its introductory phase but faces challenges in securing a two-thirds majority for passage. Opposition leaders criticized the Bill, calling it an attack on India's federal structure, while the BJP plans to push further deliberations.

Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have entered a "decisive and final phase," according to a senior Palestinian negotiator. The proposed plan includes a three-phase process: releasing hostages, Israeli troop withdrawals, and ultimately ending the war. Mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, talks aim to address the plight of 96 hostages, 62 of whom are presumed alive. Recent statements from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz indicate progress, although hardline cabinet ministers remain skeptical. The 14-month conflict has devastated Gaza, displacing millions and killing over 45,000 Palestinians. The international community continues to push for a resolution.

Sindeep Singh, 48, an Indian-origin man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the UK for murdering his 76-year-old mother, Bhajan Kaur, at their Leicester home. The murder stemmed from a property dispute over the family home. Singh attacked his mother, leaving her with fatal injuries, and attempted to bury her body in the garden. Relatives discovered the crime when they found Kaur’s body on May 13, prompting police to arrest Singh near the scene. CCTV evidence revealed his attempt to dispose of evidence. Singh must serve at least 31 years before being eligible for release, authorities confirmed.

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun may face new legal troubles as Telangana police plan to approach the Supreme Court to challenge his interim bail in the Pushpa 2 fan death case. Arjun was arrested on December 13, 2024, after a stampede at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre led to the death of a 35-year-old woman and severe injuries to her 9-year-old son. Granted 4-week bail on a ₹50,000 bond, Arjun expressed remorse, calling the incident “very unfortunate,” and pledged support to the victim's family. He cited legal advice for not visiting them yet but committed to covering their medical and other needs.