India Post abruptly ended its Book Post service on December 18, 2024, causing outrage among readers and publishers. The service, offering affordable nationwide delivery of books at ₹80 for 5 kg, was vital for promoting literacy and education. Without stakeholder consultation, the category was removed from postal software, leaving even postal staff uninformed. Critics argue the decision undermines India’s fragile reading culture, with higher shipping costs deterring purchases. Adding to the blow, a 5% import duty on sample books has drawn backlash. Publishers and literary enthusiasts demand reinstatement of the service to support education and intellectual growth.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with top Telugu film industry representatives in Hyderabad following the stampede during the screening of Pushpa 2: The Rule at Sandhya Theatre, which led to the death of a woman and critical injuries to her son. During the meeting, Reddy emphasized that actors must take responsibility for controlling their fans to maintain law and order. He assured the filmmakers and actors that the government supported them but condemned the actions following Allu Arjun’s arrest in the case. The government is also considering ticket price hikes for films with cultural significance.

Top Tollywood personalities, including Allu Arjun's father Allu Arvind and actor Nagarjuna, met Telangana CM Revanth Reddy following the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede controversy. The incident caused injuries and the tragic death of a woman, prompting scrutiny over benefit shows and ticket price hikes. Producers and actors pledged ₹2 crore to support the victim’s family. This marks Nagarjuna’s first meeting with the CM post the Konda Surekha controversy. BJP alleged political harassment by Congress, accusing it of targeting Telugu cinema. Discussions aimed to repair strained ties and ensure better safety measures for cinema events.

A sexual assault at Anna University in Chennai has led to protests and political blame. The incident occurred on the Guindy campus on Tuesday night when two attackers assaulted a female student and beat her male friend. One suspect has been arrested, and police are investigating. Protests by student groups and the All India Women Welfare Federation are calling for justice. Political parties, including AIADMK and BJP, have criticized the ruling DMK government over law and order, while the DMK defended its actions and condemned the politicization of the issue.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur has backed actor Allu Arjun amid criticism following a stampede at a Pushpa 2: The Rule premiere in Hyderabad. Thakur said, “Some people are trying to tarnish Telugu actors who have brought global fame to Indian cinema.” He praised Allu Arjun’s National Award and noted the success of Telugu films like RRR and Baahubali. The controversy intensified after a Telangana Congress MLA warned Arjun to stop commenting on the Chief Minister, threatening to block his films. The stampede, which killed a woman and injured her child, led to Arjun being questioned by police and released on bail.

Doctors in Kolkata, under the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), are intensifying protests over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in August. Demonstrations near Dorina Crossing are set to continue beyond December 26, pending police permission. Protesters demand the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) expedite its chargesheet against Sandip Ghosh and Abhijit Mondal, previously released on bail. Doctors also criticized forensic findings and alleged evidence tampering. Nationwide protests earlier spotlighted the incident, pressing for justice and improved security for medical professionals.

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a Zomato delivery agent was compelled to remove his Santa Claus costume by a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch on Christmas. The group’s district convenor, Sumit Hardia, questioned the delivery company’s decision to dress agents in non-Hindu festival attire, claiming it disrespected Hindu traditions. A video showed Hardia asking, "Do you ever go to homes dressed as Lord Ram?" The delivery agent explained it was a company directive. Hardia alleged such costumes promote religious conversions and called for similar acknowledgment of Hindu festivals. The incident has sparked a broader conversation on cultural sensitivity.

A tourist boat capsized near Calangute beach in North Goa on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring nearly 20 others. The boat, carrying over 20 passengers, capsized 60 metres from the shore due to an engine malfunction. Lifeguards rescued 13 people, including a family of six from Maharashtra. A 54-year-old man was declared dead, while two children and two women were hospitalised. Some passengers were not wearing life jackets, making the rescue harder. Police have registered a case and are investigating the incident. Lifeguards and rescue teams acted quickly, bringing most passengers safely back to shore.

Actor Allu Arjun and his team announced ₹2 crore aid for an 8-year-old boy injured in the December 4 stampede at Sandhya Theatre. The tragic incident occurred during the Pushpa 2 premiere, claiming the boy’s mother’s life. The boy, Sritej, is recovering but still needs time for full recovery, doctors said. Producer Allu Aravind pledged ₹1 crore, with ₹50 lakh each from Mythri Movie Makers and director Sukumar. The family confirmed receiving ₹10 lakh. Police questioned Allu Arjun about the case, but his team stated the support was unconditional. The boy's condition remains stable, though progress is slow.

A roadways bus en route from Bhimtal to Haldwani, Uttarakhand, fell into a 100-metre deep gorge, leaving 4 dead and 21 injured. Authorities said the driver lost control near Bhimtal, causing the tragic accident. Locals and SDRF teams rescued the injured, who are receiving treatment at Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed condolences and dispatched a team of doctors from AIIMS Rishikesh to assist. The mishap comes a day after an Army vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 5 soldiers. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.