Hyderabad police have filed a detailed chargesheet in the Pushpa 2 stampede case, naming 23 accused, including Telugu star Allu Arjun, his security team and Sandhya Theatre management, in connection with a deadly crowd surge at Sandhya Theatre in December 2024. A woman died and her young son was seriously injured when an overwhelming crowd rushed during the film’s premiere event due to fans trying to see the actor. The chargesheet accuses organisers of failing to manage crowd control, holding them responsible for the tragedy. Legal proceedings are expected as the court examines the roles of those named.

At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting attended by Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor, top issues included the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act replacing MGNREGA, Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and unrest in Bangladesh. Kharge condemned scrapping MGNREGA, calling VB-G RAM G one-sided and announced a nationwide “MGNREGA Bachao Andolan” from January 5, 2026 to protest its repeal. Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor also criticised the renaming and restructuring of the rural jobs law. (PC: HT)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan marked his 60th birthday on December 27 with a blend of intimate and public moments at his Panvel farmhouse near Mumbai. As midnight struck, Salman stepped out to greet paparazzi and media, cutting a red-and-white cake with them in a casual black T-shirt and denim setting. Close family members, including his parents and siblings, joined the festivities, alongside industry friends and celebrities. Clips of warm interactions and heartfelt moments with his father went viral on social media. The celebration also highlighted Mumbai’s tribute with Bandra-Worli Sea Link lighting up for the star. 

England snapped a 15-year drought in Australia by defeating the hosts in the fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, winning by four wickets while chasing 175. The Boxing Day Test concluded within two days amid dramatic collapses and spirited batting from England’s middle order. Australia’s first defeat in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle still leaves them atop the table with a strong points percentage, while England slightly improved their position but remain in the lower half. The result hasn’t altered the Ashes series outcome, with Australia already leading 3-1.

Zaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chief Tarique Rahman, has entered national politics as her family returns to Dhaka from 17 years in London exile. A London-trained barrister, Zaima visited Bangladesh alongside her parents and has completed voter registration ahead of the February 2026 general election, raising speculation about her political future. While she hasn’t announced any formal role or candidacy, her increased visibility signals a potential new generation within the BNP. Her return coincides with her father’s high-profile political comeback as the party seeks to expand its appeal amid a tense election season. (PC: X)

India’s worsening water scarcity, especially in Rajasthan’s arid region, is creating operational and community challenges for global beverage firms like Heineken, Carlsberg and Diageo. Strict Indian laws force these companies to maintain production in each state due to limits on moving liquor across borders, despite intense competition for dwindling groundwater. While industry uses a small share of water, locals in places like Alwar face acute shortages and blame factories, though courts found compliance with regulations. Companies are boosting water efficiency, harvesting rainwater and investing in community projects. Experts say broader infrastructure and sustainable water management are crucial to ease tensions and secure long-term operations. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to hold high-stakes peace negotiations with European leaders and former US President Donald Trump, aimed at finalising a 20-point peace plan to end the war with Russia. Talks will include security guarantees, reconstruction and territorial disputes, with the plan reportedly 90% complete. Zelenskyy may even seek a public referendum if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire. The diplomacy unfolds against fresh Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, causing injuries and power outages, underscoring the urgency of a ceasefire and deal. (PC: Reuters)

In Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, a woman who had accused Rajat Sharma, son of a local BJP leader and council president, of rape is in critical condition after consuming sleeping pills and rat poison, police said. She left a six‑page note alleging seven months of threats, mental harassment, intimidation and pressure to withdraw her FIR, including offers of ₹50 lakh to settle. She claimed the accused promised marriage but his family arranged another engagement and sought to derail her complaint. An FIR was filed in April, and authorities say chargesheeting is underway. The woman appealed for justice from senior leaders while hospitalized. (PC: X)

Ahead of New Year celebrations, Delhi Police carried out a large-scale overnight crackdown under Operation Aaghat to curb organised crime and ensure public safety. The operation led to the arrest of 285 people from across the national capital. Police seized illegal firearms, sharp weapons, drugs, cash and other contraband, targeting criminals, repeat offenders and anti-social elements. Multiple teams conducted coordinated raids, checkpoints and surprise inspections based on intelligence inputs. Senior officials said the drive aims to deter crime, prevent violence and maintain law and order during the festive period, assuring citizens of heightened security across Delhi.

A concert by celebrated Bangladeshi rock singer James, known as Nagar Baul, was abruptly cancelled in Faridpur on Friday night after a mob attacked the venue during celebrations of Faridpur Zila School’s 185th anniversary. Moments before the show, a group described as “outsiders” tried to force entry, hurled bricks and stones, and clashed with students, injuring 15–25 people, mainly students, according to multiple reports. Organisers, citing safety concerns and following district administration orders, cancelled the concert. James escaped unharmed. The incident reflects growing concerns about intolerance and safety at public cultural events amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.