The INDIA bloc plans to petition the Supreme Court by Friday, challenging the Election Commission's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Maharashtra. Opposition leaders, including Sharad Pawar, Arvind Kejriwal, and Abhishek Singhvi, claim voter list manipulations and irregularities. Prashant Jagtap alleged that names were added and deleted until three days before voting. Accusations of poll rigging during the Maharashtra and Haryana elections sparked the move. However, the Election Commission confirmed no discrepancies between EVM results and VVPAT slips. The BJP dismissed the allegations as routine grievances raised by Opposition parties after losing elections.

Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule continues its strong run at the box office, earning ₹644.45 crore in just six days. The film collected ₹51 crore on Tuesday, following a record-breaking weekend with ₹141.5 crore on Sunday alone. Directed by Sukumar, the sequel has surpassed the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, Pushpa: The Rise, in only two days. The Hindi version alone has earned over ₹120 crore, making it a massive hit across languages. The story follows Pushpa Raj’s rise as a smuggling kingpin, with Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles. Fans eagerly await Pushpa 3: The Rampage.

Rahul Gandhi has advised Congress MPs not to react to calls for leadership change in the INDIA alliance. He emphasized Congress’s strength as the largest party in the bloc and its ability to resolve issues. His remarks come as several alliance leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Lalu Prasad Yadav, back Banerjee to lead the bloc. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge currently heads the alliance but faces criticism after recent election losses. Rahul urged MPs to support Kharge during protests in Parliament. The growing debate highlights internal tensions within the opposition group aiming to challenge the BJP in 2024.

India is in advanced talks with Russia to acquire the Voronezh radar system, a long-range early warning radar capable of tracking missiles, jets, and stealth aircraft. The deal, worth $4 billion, aims to boost India's air defence and surveillance capabilities. The radar can detect threats up to 8,000 km away, covering China, South Asia, and the Indian Ocean. Under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, 60% of the system may be manufactured locally. The radar is expected to be deployed in Karnataka's Chitradurga district. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is discussing this and other military projects with Russian officials during his visit.

Russia has vowed to continue its war in Ukraine until its objectives are achieved, either through military operations or negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that no talks are currently underway. Russia's spy chief, Sergei Naryshkin, claimed that Ukraine is close to collapse and that Russia holds the upper hand. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested a ceasefire if unoccupied territories gain NATO membership. Incoming US President Donald Trump called for an "immediate ceasefire" and urged both sides to negotiate peace. The war has caused devastating losses, with heavy casualties reported on both sides. The conflict remains unresolved.

Syrian rebels have appointed Mohammed al-Bashir as interim prime minister following President Bashar al-Assad's fall. Al-Bashir previously governed rebel-held areas during Assad's rule. Meanwhile, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt accused Israel of exploiting Syria's turmoil. The Israeli military admitted its troops are operating beyond the buffer zone near the Golan Heights. Rebels in Damascus claimed they discovered over 40 bodies showing signs of torture. The US plans to discuss Syria's crisis in an upcoming G7 meeting, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledging support for a transparent government. Turkey also opened a new border crossing for returning refugees.

The family of Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash, who died by suicide, has accused Indian laws of being biased towards women. Subhash left a 24-page note and a video alleging harassment by his estranged wife, who filed multiple cases against him. His father, Pawan Kumar, said Atul suffered silently and endured constant legal battles. Atul's brother, Bikas Kumar, stated, "Every law in India is for women, not men." The family urged President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi to ensure justice. They also called for an investigation into a judge named in Subhash's note, demanding fairness and accountability.

The driver of a bus involved in a deadly accident in Mumbai on December 9 has been remanded in police custody until December 21. Sanjay More, 54, rammed 50-60 vehicles before stopping after crashing into an apartment complex gate. The accident killed seven people and injured 49, including four police officers. Police are investigating whether the driver intentionally used the bus as a weapon or was under the influence of alcohol. The bus, operated by BEST, was on a route from Kurla to Andheri. Authorities have pledged financial assistance for the victims' families.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met the families of victims from the Sambhal violence at their mother Sonia Gandhi’s residence in Delhi on December 10. The Uttar Pradesh government had denied their request to visit Sambhal on December 4, where they were stopped at the Ghazipur border. The violence occurred on November 24, during a court-ordered survey of a mosque, resulting in four deaths and several injuries. The Gandhis had wanted to meet the affected families, but their visit was blocked by local authorities citing security concerns.

Atul Subhash, a 34-year-old engineer in Bengaluru, died by suicide on December 9, leaving behind a 24-page note. The note accused his wife and her relatives of harassment, including false cases against him. Subhash, originally from Uttar Pradesh, claimed his wife had filed multiple cases, including charges of dowry harassment and murder, which were later withdrawn. He also alleged judicial corruption. Before his death, Subhash shared the note and a video on social media, calling for justice and urging live hearings for his case. His tragic end has sparked calls for accountability and reform.