Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has been hospitalised in San Francisco, USA, due to serious health issues. His brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia, confirmed the news during a phone conversation with journalist Pervaiz Alam, who shared the update online. Hussain, son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, is a recipient of India's highest civilian awards, including Padma Vibhushan. Known globally for his musical brilliance, he was also the first Indian musician to perform at the White House under President Obama. The family has requested fans worldwide to pray for his speedy recovery as he continues receiving treatment.

Tensions in Bangladesh have escalated after an attack on Dhaka University's Teacher Association office. Allegedly led by Yunus loyalists, the attackers vandalized furniture and defaced Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's photograph. Teacher Association Secretary, Jinat Huda, reported that around 20-30 individuals forcibly entered the office on Saturday night, destroying items, including flowers placed for Martyrs' Day. This comes amid unrest under Bangladesh's interim government, with growing violence targeting minorities and opposition. Questions persist about the safety of educational institutions and minority communities. Fears are rising as religious restrictions, including Christmas and New Year bans, further strain the volatile situation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expanded his cabinet in Nagpur today. Thirty-nine ministers, including leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, took oath. The cabinet now has 42 members, one short of the state’s limit. Nineteen ministers are from the BJP, eleven from the Shiv Sena, and nine from the NCP. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar attended the event. The expansion was delayed due to a tussle over key portfolios. The BJP-led alliance won 235 seats in the assembly polls earlier this year, with the BJP securing 132 seats. Fadnavis continues to hold the home portfolio.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri criticized Indian bowlers for inconsistency during Day 2 of the third Test against Australia at The Gabba. While Jasprit Bumrah's stunning 5/72 kept India afloat, Shastri highlighted the lack of discipline from other bowlers, which allowed Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101) to dominate. Shastri emphasized the need for precise execution and tighter lines to avoid gifting runs. "Bumrah did most things right, but the others need to think about maintaining consistency," he told SEN Radio. With Australia at 405/7, Shastri’s remarks underline the urgent need for a collective effort in this crucial game.

The swearing-in of the Maharashtra Mahayuti cabinet took place in Nagpur with 39 MLAs inducted, including 20 from BJP, 13 from Shiv Sena, and 10 from NCP. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, presided over the ceremony. BJP’s Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Radhakrishna Vikhepatil were among the first to take oath. Shiv Sena retained leaders like Uday Samant and Gulabrao Patil, while new faces joined. The BJP is expected to retain major portfolios, including home and revenue, while Shiv Sena gains one additional ministry. NCP will manage finance, agriculture, and sports portfolios.

Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar performance on Day 2 of the third Test against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane. His 5/72 spell with the second new ball turned the game as India fought back from Travis Head’s 152-run knock. Bumrah’s 12th Test five-wicket haul, including 8 in SENA countries, surpassed Kapil Dev's record of 7 such feats. Australia ended the day at 405/7, with Alex Carey (45*) and Mitchell Starc (7*) at the crease. Earlier, Head and Steve Smith (101) added a 241-run stand, pushing Australia toward a series lead in the rain-affected match.

Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem acknowledged the loss of the group’s critical military supply route through Syria following the toppling of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by a rebel offensive. Anti-Assad fighters seized the Iraq-Syria border on Dec. 6, followed by Damascus two days later. Qassem emphasized the loss as a “detail” in their resistance strategy and suggested alternative routes could be explored. Hezbollah, which intervened in Syria in 2013 to support Assad, has withdrawn fighters as a transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham takes control. Qassem urged the new Syrian leadership to maintain hostility toward Israel.

An Indian student, 26-year-old Naga Sri Vandana Parimala, was killed in a car accident in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, early Friday morning. Parimala, who was pursuing a Master of Science (MS) at the University of Memphis, was traveling with two fellow students when their car collided with another vehicle. She was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Parimala, originally from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, moved to the US in 2022. The other students, Pavan and Nikith, were also hospitalized, with Pavan in critical condition. Authorities believe one vehicle failed to stop, causing the crash.

In a friendly cricket match held on December 15, 2024, at Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the Lok Sabha Speaker's XI led by Anurag Thakur defeated the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s XI captained by Kiren Rijiju by 73 runs. The event aimed to raise awareness about tuberculosis under the "TB-Free India Awareness Cricket Match" initiative. Thakur scored 111 runs, playing a key role in the victory. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey was named best fielder, while Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda won best bowler. MPs from various parties participated, promoting the message of fitness and TB awareness.

Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule saw a significant box office jump after his arrest, earning ₹1196 crore worldwide in just 10 days. The film registered a 70% increase globally and a 74% rise in domestic collections on its second Saturday, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan (₹1143 crore). With ₹826 crore net in India and ₹210 crore gross overseas, the film is set to overtake Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 (₹1208 crore) and is aiming for the ₹1309 crore mark set by RRR. The sequel to Pushpa: The Rise also saw an overseas resurgence, earning nearly $2 million on day 10.