A 30-year-old Indian national, Himanshi Khurana, was found murdered inside a Toronto residence on December 20, marking the city's 40th homicide of 2025. Toronto Police responded to a missing person call from the Strachan Avenue-Wellington Street West area on December 19 at 10:41 pm, locating her body the next morning at 6:30 am. Police issued a Canada-wide warrant for Abdul Ghafoori, 32, charging him with first-degree murder. Investigators confirmed the victim and suspect knew each other but didn't specify their relationship. The Indian Consulate in Toronto expressed being "deeply saddened and shocked," offering condolences and assisting Khurana's family while coordinating with Canadian authorities as the manhunt continues. (PC: Toronto Police)

ISRO achieved a Christmas Eve triumph, launching India's heaviest foreign satellite aboard LVM3-M6 "Bahubali" rocket from Sriharikota at 08:54 IST on December 24. The 640-tonne vehicle deployed AST SpaceMobile's 6.5-tonne BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite into 520-600 km Low Earth Orbit, marking ISRO's 101st orbital success. BlueBird Block-2, the largest commercial LEO communications satellite, features a 223 sq m phased-array antenna beaming 4G/5G signals directly to unmodified smartphones, partnering with 50+ global operators to connect remote regions. ISRO chief praised the "less than 2 km dispersion" orbital performance. This third fully commercial LVM3 mission strengthens NewSpace India Limited's market position, advancing India's space capabilities ahead of upcoming Gaganyaan crewed flights.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) published draft electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, revealing that nearly 95 lakh electors did not find their names in the draft lists. The deletions include about 42.74 lakh in Madhya Pradesh, 27.34 lakh in Chhattisgarh, 24.08 lakh in Kerala, and around 64,000 in the Union Territory. Those excluded can still file applications for inclusion during the claims and objections period, and the final rolls will be issued early next year. (PC: PTI)

A viral video from Ladakh’s Pangong Tso shows a Himalayan red fox calmly walking near a roadside as tourists watch and record the rare sighting, garnering widespread admiration online. However, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan cautioned that the fox’s lack of fear suggests it may have been fed by people before, leading to unnatural behaviour and dangerous habituation. Experts warn that such “sympathy-based conservation” can disrupt wildlife’s natural foraging, increase road dangers, and harm ecosystems. The sighting highlights both Ladakh’s rich biodiversity and the need for responsible wildlife interaction. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the BlueBird Block-2 mission on December 24 at 8:54 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using the LVM3-M6 heavy-lift rocket. The mission will deploy a 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2 satellite developed by AST SpaceMobile, making it the heaviest commercial payload carried by LVM3 into low Earth orbit. The satellite is designed to provide direct-to-smartphone broadband connectivity, supporting global 4G and 5G services. This launch highlights ISRO’s expanding role in commercial space missions and international collaborations. The launch will be livestreamed on ISRO’s official digital platforms. (PC: X)

Fresh violence in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong tribal council area left two people dead and 38 police personnel injured following clashes between protesters and security forces. Protesters reportedly set fire to several vehicles, escalating tensions in the region. The situation deteriorated during crowd-control operations, prompting concerns over law and order. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he is closely monitoring developments and assured that additional security forces will be deployed to restore peace. Authorities are taking precautionary measures to prevent further unrest as the situation remains tense. (PC: PTI)

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav blamed the Congress era for illegal mining in the Aravalli Range. Speaking to India Today TV, he said, “All the photos being shown online are from the Congress period.” Yadav said miners worked for years and later abandoned sites. He added, “Out of 1,008 mines in Rajasthan, 700 were set up under Ashok Gehlot.” The minister said a clear definition of the Aravallis is needed to stop damage. He noted the Supreme Court of India earlier halted mining to protect the range.

New documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein have renewed focus on Donald Trump. Released by the Justice Department, the files include emails, flight logs and notes. An email says Trump flew on Epstein’s jet at least eight times in the 1990s, sometimes with Ghislaine Maxwell. Records challenge Trump’s past denials. The files also mention an unverified rape allegation and a disputed handwritten letter. The DOJ stressed Trump faces no criminal charges and warned some claims may be false or sensational. (PC: AP)

Delhi Capitals have appointed Jemimah Rodrigues, 25, as captain for the WPL 2026, replacing former skipper Meg Lanning. Rodrigues, DC’s first-ever signing, has been a consistent performer with 507 runs at a strike rate of 139.66, making her the team’s third-highest run-scorer. Fresh from a standout year, including a World Cup semi-final hundred against Australia, she now aims to lead DC to their first title after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Calling the role an “absolute honour,” Rodrigues said the team feels like family. Co-owner Parth Jindal praised her energy, leadership qualities, and inspiring performances, expressing confidence she will finally help DC cross the elusive championship line. (PC: X)

Pakistan and Bangladesh are reportedly negotiating a NATO-style defense agreement similar to Pakistan's September pact with Saudi Arabia, which stated "aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both." Senior Pakistani military officials including ISI chief Lt General Asim Malik, Navy chief, and Joint Chiefs chairperson have repeatedly visited Dhaka as Muhammad Yunus distances Bangladesh from India. Pakistan aims to finalize the deal before Bangladesh's elections in two months, while the Yunus administration remains favorable. The agreement would enable intelligence sharing and joint military drills, with potential nuclear cooperation remaining unclear. India closely monitors developments, particularly concerning eastern front security. Pakistan Muslim League leader Kamran Saeed Usmani publicly demanded formal military alliance Tuesday. (PC: India Today)