In a shocking crime in Kolkata, Atiur Rahman Laskar, a construction worker, allegedly murdered his sister-in-law after she rejected his romantic advances. The woman, a domestic help in the Regent Park area, had recently been avoiding Laskar and blocked his phone number. On December 12, he forced her to accompany him to an under-construction building, where he strangled her, beheaded her, and disposed of her body in parts at separate locations. The severed head was found at a garbage dump in Tollygunge. Police arrested Laskar within 24 hours, with the accused confessing to the crime.

Virat Kohli was seen gesturing 'keep quiet' to the Gabba crowd after taking a sharp catch to dismiss Australia's Marnus Labuschagne on Day 2 of the Brisbane Test. The moment came after Nitish Kumar Reddy drew Labuschagne into a drive, with Kohli making a brilliant catch in the slips. This dismissal followed early strikes from Jasprit Bumrah, who removed openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney. Despite the breakthrough, Australia ended Day 2 on a strong note, reaching 405/7, powered by centuries from Travis Head (152) and Steve Smith (101), leaving India with a tough task ahead.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) released its final list of 38 candidates for the Delhi Assembly elections, completing nominations for all 70 constituencies. Arvind Kejriwal will contest from the New Delhi seat, facing Congress’ Sandeep Dikshit in a high-stakes rivalry. Atishi has been fielded from Kalkaji, while Saurabh Bharadwaj will represent Greater Kailash. AAP denied tickets to 20 sitting MLAs, replacing some with family members. Kejriwal criticized BJP’s lack of leadership, stating AAP’s accomplishments in healthcare, education, and governance are unmatched. Delhi elections are expected in January 2025, with AAP aiming to defend its turf through grassroots outreach.

Travis Head and Steve Smith powered Australia to a commanding 405/7 on Day 2 of the 3rd Test against India at The Gabba, Brisbane. Head smashed an explosive 152 off 160 balls, marking his second consecutive century, while Smith scored a gritty 101 off 190 balls. Their 241-run partnership for the 4th wicket deflated India’s bowling attack, despite Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional 5/72. Mohammed Siraj struggled with fitness, while Ravindra Jadeja failed to extract assistance from the track. Earlier, Australia’s top order contributed moderately, keeping India under pressure. The hosts look poised for a big first-innings total.

The arrest of Telugu actor Allu Arjun, following a fatal stampede during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule in Hyderabad, has sparked political controversy in Telangana. Congress defended the arrest, citing adherence to the law, while BJP and YSRCP leaders criticized it as unjust. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw blamed poor event management, calling the arrest a "publicity stunt." YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy supported Arjun, urging authorities to focus on aiding victims. Arjun, granted interim bail by Telangana High Court, expressed grief over the tragedy and pledged support to the bereaved family. The incident highlights lapses in crowd control.

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi, 27, was arrested in Sari City for performing in a YouTube concert without a hijab. The video, which gained over 1.4M views, featured Ahmadi in a black bodycon dress with four male musicians. Two of the musicians, Soheil Faghih Nasiri and Ehsan Beiraghdar, were also detained. Ahmadi described her performance as "a right I could not ignore." Her lawyer confirmed the lack of disclosure regarding charges or detention location. The arrest underscores heightened enforcement of Iran's strict dress code, following 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death over hijab rule violations.

The US is collaborating with Bangladesh's interim government to strengthen law enforcement and ensure minority safety. President Joe Biden is monitoring developments closely, said John Kirby, US national security adviser. Protests over attacks on minorities, including Hindus, have sparked concerns in the US. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met Biden in September, affirming commitments to security and human rights. The Yunus government, which replaced Sheikh Hasina’s administration in August, faces criticism over rising violence. India also addressed minority safety during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Dhaka. Over 88 cases of minority attacks were reported between August and October.

Jasprit Bumrah took a sensational five-wicket haul to dismiss Travis Head for 152 and Steve Smith for 101 on Day 2 of the 3rd Test between India and Australia. Earlier, India had reduced Australia to 104/3 at lunch, with Bumrah’s early breakthroughs, removing openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney. India’s pace attack dominated as Bumrah’s resilience gave them the upper hand. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj had to leave the field due to a leg injury. The match, which had a delayed start due to rain, is crucial for both teams in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

In his final days in power, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad confided in Iran's foreign minister about Turkey’s support for Sunni rebels attempting to topple his regime. Assad reportedly voiced frustration during a December 2 meeting with Iranian Minister Abbas Araqchi, claiming Turkey’s actions were intensifying the conflict. In response, Iran promised to continue supporting Assad but raised concerns with Turkey. As Assad fled to Moscow, his ouster marked the end of five decades of his family’s rule. Iran's support had been crucial in the civil war, but Assad's downfall represents a significant blow to the Iran-led alliance in the Middle East.

Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash’s estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, along with her mother, Nisha Singhania, and brother, Anurag Singhania, were arrested in connection with his suicide. Subhash, 34, died by suicide on December 9, leaving a note accusing his wife and her family of harassment. Nikita was arrested in Gurugram, while her family members were detained in Prayagraj. Subhash alleged years of emotional distress, false cases, and financial pressure from his wife’s family. The case has sparked nationwide outrage, and Nikita had previously filed a dowry harassment complaint against Subhash in 2022.