National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

A man in Uttar Pradesh has been allegedly accused of killing his wife and two daughters after a dispute involving his wife’s refusal to wear a burqa. The horrific crime occurred in Shamli, where the victims, Tahira (35), Shareen (14), and Afreen (6), had gone missing for a week. It wasn’t until the village headman notified the police about their disappearance that an investigation was launched.&nbsp;The police took Farooq, the husband, into custody based on suspicious circumstances. During questioning, he confessed to the murders, revealing that he buried the bodies in a pit at their own home. A team of officers, including Superintendent of Police NP Singh, promptly visited the scene and recovered the bodies. According to the police, the conflict began when Tahira asked her husband for money, which led to an argument. Enraged, Tahira left for her parents' house without her burqa, causing Farooq to feel that his ‘honour’ had been compromised.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-nightclub-fire-luthra-brothers-arrive-at-anjuna-police-station-after-medical-check-up-1765966898618">Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers arrive at Anjuna police station after medical check-up</a>&nbsp;A month later, he brought her back home and, in a fit of rage, killed her along with their daughters. He then buried their bodies in a pit within the house. Farooq has been arrested, and the bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination. Authorities discovered a pistol and cartridges at the scene, which were reportedly used in the killings. Investigations suggest that the motive was rooted in domestic strife, and police are continuing to probe the case.<h2>SC transfers RG Kar rape murder case to Calcutta HC</h2>On Wednesday (December 17), the Supreme Court transferred the case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College to the Calcutta High Court, instructing it to oversee the enforcement of its previous orders. A bench consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma ordered that the case files be forwarded to the high court. The Supreme Court, which had taken suo motu notice of the case in 2024, also mandated that a copy of the status report be provided to the victim's parents.

Uttar Pradesh shocker: Man kills wife, daughters over not wearing Burqa; buries bodies at home, say police

A man in Uttar Pradesh has been allegedly accused of killing his wife and two daughters after a dispute involving his wife’s refusal to wear a burqa. The horrific crime occurred in Shamli, where the victims, Tahira (35), Shareen (14), and Afreen (6), had gone missing for a week. It wasn’t until the village headman notified the police about their disappearance that an investigation was launched. The police took Farooq, the husband, into custody based on suspicious circumstances. During questioning, he confessed to the murders, revealing that he buried the bodies in a pit at their own home. A team of officers, including Superintendent of Police NP Singh, promptly visited the scene and recovered the bodies. According to the police, the conflict began when Tahira asked her husband for money, which led to an argument. Enraged, Tahira left for her parents' house without her burqa, causing Farooq to feel that his ‘honour’ had been compromised. Also Read: Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers arrive at Anjuna police station after medical check-up A month later, he brought her back home and, in a fit of rage, killed her along with their daughters. He then buried their bodies in a pit within the house. Farooq has been arrested, and the bodies have been sent for a post-mortem examination. Authorities discovered a pistol and cartridges at the scene, which were reportedly used in the killings. Investigations suggest that the motive was rooted in domestic strife, and police are continuing to probe the case. SC transfers RG Kar rape murder case to Calcutta HC On Wednesday (December 17), the Supreme Court transferred the case involving the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College to the Calcutta High Court, instructing it to oversee the enforcement of its previous orders. A bench consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma ordered that the case files be forwarded to the high court. The Supreme Court, which had taken suo motu notice of the case in 2024, also mandated that a copy of the status report be provided to the victim's parents.

A man in Uttar Pradesh allegedly murdered his wife and two daughters after a domestic dispute over his wife not wearing a burqa. Their bodies were discovered buried at home

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that Delhi would not remain silent and would teach a ‘lesson’ if politicians in Bangladesh continue to make irresponsible remarks about India’s northeast region and reminded them that India is the fourth largest economy in the world and a nuclear nation. Reacting to the comments of Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s newly formed National Citizen Party, Sarma said on Tuesday, “For the past year, there has been repeated discussion in Bangladesh about separating the northeast from India and making it a part of Bangladesh. But India is a very big country, a nuclear nation and the fourth largest economy of the world. How can Bangladesh even think about it?”&nbsp;He added that the people of Bangladesh have a “bad mindset” and that “we should not help them too much”.&nbsp;“We should not help them too much and should teach them a lesson that we will not remain silent if they behave this way towards India,” he said, while talking to media.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-summons-bangladesh-envoy-over-threats-to-indian-high-commission-1765953751913">India summons Bangladesh envoy over threats to Indian High Commission</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hojai | Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, &quot;For the past year, there has been repeated discussion in Bangladesh about separating the Northeast from India and making it a part of Bangladesh... The people of Bangladesh have a bad mindset. We shouldn&#39;t help them too much… <a href="https://t.co/qrQYpHCr9V">pic.twitter.com/qrQYpHCr9V</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2000899729518170526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;National Citizen Party leader Hasnat Abdullah said on Monday that Dhaka should “isolate” India’s northeastern states if New Delhi tries to “destabilise” Bangladesh.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Himanta had issued a warning to Bangladesh against targeting India's ‘chicken’s neck’ and said in a post on X that those who ‘habitually threaten’ India on the ‘chicken neck corridor’ should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are “far more vulnerable”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-envoy-hamidullah-pays-tribute-to-indian-soldiers-on-victory-day-says-both-countries-have-organic-relationship-1765903349626">Bangladesh envoy Hamidullah pays tribute to Indian soldiers on Victory Day; says both countries have 'organic relationship'</a>&nbsp;“First is the 80 km North Bangladesh Corridor from Dakhin Dinajpur to South West Garo Hills. Any disruption here, can completely isolate the entire Rangpur division from rest of Bangladesh,” he had said.“Second is the 28 km Chittagong Corridor, from South Tripura till the Bay of Bengal. This corridor, smaller than India’s chicken neck, is the only link between Bangladesh’s economic capital and political capital,” he added.&nbsp;Earlier this year, the Chief Adviser of the country’s interim government, Mohammed Yunus, said, “The seven states of India in its eastern part are a landlocked region. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardians of the ocean.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-bangladesh-marks-54th-anniversary-of-vijay-diwas-here-s-what-happened-on-this-day-know-all-about-it-indra-gandhi-sam-manekshaw-1765882142817">India-Bangladesh mark 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Here's what happened&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;day. Know all about it</a>&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Himanta had warned Bangladesh against targeting India's ‘chicken’s neck’, and said in a post on X that those who ‘habitually threaten’ India on the ‘chicken neck corridor’ should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are “far more vulnerable”.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that Delhi would not remain silent and would teach a ‘lesson’ if politicians in Bangladesh continue to make irresponsible remarks about India’s northeast region and reminded them that India is the fourth largest economy in the world and a nuclear nation. Reacting to the comments of Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s newly formed National Citizen Party, Sarma said on Tuesday, “For the past year, there has been repeated discussion in Bangladesh about separating the northeast from India and making it a part of Bangladesh. But India is a very big country, a nuclear nation and the fourth largest economy of the world. How can Bangladesh even think about it?” He added that the people of Bangladesh have a “bad mindset” and that “we should not help them too much”. “We should not help them too much and should teach them a lesson that we will not remain silent if they behave this way towards India,” he said, while talking to media. Also Read: India summons Bangladesh envoy over threats to Indian High Commission

Earlier this year, Himanta had warned Bangladesh against targeting India's ‘chicken’s neck’, and said in a post on X that those who ‘habitually threaten’ India on the ‘chicken neck corridor’ should note that Bangladesh has two such narrow strips of land, which are “far more vulnerable”.

‘Will not remain silent, teach a lesson’: Assam CM Himanta Sarma warns after Bangladesh leader’s remarks

Several private schools in Ahmedabad and nearby areas received bomb threat emails on Wednesday morning, prompting a significant alert across the education sector and among law enforcement agencies. 

The messages, sent by an unidentified sender, warned of a potential explosion around 1:10 pm.

Upon receiving the threats, school officials immediately informed the police and, as a precaution, began dismissing students in an orderly manner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Concerned parents rushed to the campuses to collect their children. 

The emails were sent to a range of institutions, including Maharaja Agrasen School (Gurukul), Zydus School (Vejalpur), D.A.V. School (Makarba), Mahatma Gandhi School (Mithakhali), A.I.S. School (Bodakdev), Udgam School for Children (Thaltej), Zebar School (Thaltej), J.G. International School (Sola Road), Satva Vikas School (Sindhubhavan), Nirman School (Vastrapur), Prakash School (Bodakdev), and Mount Carmel School (Ashram Road).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Authorities say the emails referenced a threat spanning from the school to Sabarmati Jail and mentioned figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, along with content linking to Khalistan-related grievances.
&nbsp;
The Ahmedabad City District Education Officer has issued a directive asking affected schools to immediately alert police via 112 and file written reports with their nearest stations, while all schools maintain close coordination with law enforcement and take necessary safety measures.

Ahmedabad City Police, the Crime Branch, and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) reached the affected schools promptly. 

Thorough searches of classrooms, playgrounds, and campus grounds were carried out, while roads near the schools were cordoned off and vehicle movement restricted.
&nbsp;
The District Education Officer (DEO) issued advisories instructing schools that received threats to immediately contact police and report the incidents in writing. 

Schools that did not receive emails were also advised to remain vigilant and coordinate with law enforcement.

Cybercrime teams are currently tracing the source of the emails and analyzing IP data to identify the sender. Authorities are investigating whether the threats are hoaxes or part of a larger plot. 

 &nbsp;

Upon receiving the threats, school officials immediately informed the police and, as a precaution, began dismissing students in an orderly manner. 

Several private schools in Ahmedabad and nearby areas received bomb threat emails on Wednesday morning, prompting a significant alert across the education sector and among law enforcement agencies. The messages, sent by an unidentified sender, warned of a potential explosion around 1:10 pm. Upon receiving the threats, school officials immediately informed the police and, as a precaution, began dismissing students in an orderly manner. Concerned parents rushed to the campuses to collect their children. The emails were sent to a range of institutions, including Maharaja Agrasen School (Gurukul), Zydus School (Vejalpur), D.A.V. School (Makarba), Mahatma Gandhi School (Mithakhali), A.I.S. School (Bodakdev), Udgam School for Children (Thaltej), Zebar School (Thaltej), J.G. International School (Sola Road), Satva Vikas School (Sindhubhavan), Nirman School (Vastrapur), Prakash School (Bodakdev), and Mount Carmel School (Ashram Road). Authorities say the emails referenced a threat spanning from the school to Sabarmati Jail and mentioned figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, along with content linking to Khalistan-related grievances. The Ahmedabad City District Education Officer has issued a directive asking affected schools to immediately alert police via 112 and file written reports with their nearest stations, while all schools maintain close coordination with law enforcement and take necessary safety measures. Ahmedabad City Police, the Crime Branch, and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) reached the affected schools promptly. Thorough searches of classrooms, playgrounds, and campus grounds were carried out, while roads near the schools were cordoned off and vehicle movement restricted. The District Education Officer (DEO) issued advisories instructing schools that received threats to immediately contact police and report the incidents in writing. Schools that did not receive emails were also advised to remain vigilant and coordinate with law enforcement. Cybercrime teams are currently tracing the source of the emails and analyzing IP data to identify the sender. Authorities are investigating whether the threats are hoaxes or part of a larger plot.

Upon receiving the threats, school officials immediately informed the police and, as a precaution, began dismissing students in an orderly manner.&nbsp;

Multiple schools in Ahmedabad targeted with bomb threat emails, security heightened

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, were brought to the Anjuna police station after undergoing a medical examination at the District Hospital in North Goa on Wednesday (December 17). Their health check-up lasted over an hour. The brothers were flown to Goa from Delhi earlier on Wednesday, following their deportation from Thailand in connection with the tragic fire that claimed 25 lives on December 6 at their nightclub in Arpora, North Goa.&nbsp;A police team, along with the Luthra siblings, arrived at Mopa’s Manohar International Airport at 10:45am. They were first taken to a Primary Health Centre at Siolim for their medical check-up, before being transferred to the District Hospital in Mapusa. After the medical examination, which took more than an hour, the Luthra brothers were transported to the Anjuna police station, located about 10 kilometers away. A convoy of six police jeeps escorted them, with the brothers seated in separate vehicles.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-imposes-50-wfh-rule-to-reduce-emissions-offers-compensation-of-110-for-construction-workers-1765965095098">Delhi government imposes 50% WFH rule to reduce emissions, offers compensation of $110 for construction workers</a>&nbsp;The brothers are set to appear before a Mapusa court for regular remand proceedings. An official confirmed that they will be interrogated by the Goa Police in connection with the deadly fire at their nightclub. The Anjuna police had already filed charges against the Luthra brothers for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, following the fire. They were arrested in Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. The court there granted the Goa Police a two-day transit remand for the pair.&nbsp;The duo had fled to Phuket on December 7, just hours after the fire broke out at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and revoke their passports. On December 11, the brothers were detained by Thai officials in Phuket after a request from the Indian government, which facilitated their deportation under legal agreements between the two countries. Meanwhile, five nightclub managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the tragic incident.

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers arrive at Anjuna police station after medical check-up

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, the co-owners of the ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub, were brought to the Anjuna police station after undergoing a medical examination at the District Hospital in North Goa on Wednesday (December 17). Their health check-up lasted over an hour. The brothers were flown to Goa from Delhi earlier on Wednesday, following their deportation from Thailand in connection with the tragic fire that claimed 25 lives on December 6 at their nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. A police team, along with the Luthra siblings, arrived at Mopa’s Manohar International Airport at 10:45am. They were first taken to a Primary Health Centre at Siolim for their medical check-up, before being transferred to the District Hospital in Mapusa. After the medical examination, which took more than an hour, the Luthra brothers were transported to the Anjuna police station, located about 10 kilometers away. A convoy of six police jeeps escorted them, with the brothers seated in separate vehicles. Also Read: Delhi government imposes 50% WFH rule to reduce emissions, offers compensation of $110 for construction workers The brothers are set to appear before a Mapusa court for regular remand proceedings. An official confirmed that they will be interrogated by the Goa Police in connection with the deadly fire at their nightclub. The Anjuna police had already filed charges against the Luthra brothers for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, following the fire. They were arrested in Delhi on Tuesday after being deported from Thailand. The court there granted the Goa Police a two-day transit remand for the pair. The duo had fled to Phuket on December 7, just hours after the fire broke out at their nightclub, prompting the authorities to issue an Interpol Blue Corner Notice and revoke their passports. On December 11, the brothers were detained by Thai officials in Phuket after a request from the Indian government, which facilitated their deportation under legal agreements between the two countries. Meanwhile, five nightclub managers and staff members have already been arrested by the Goa Police in connection with the tragic incident.

Luthra brothers, co-owners of ‘Birch by Romeo Lane,’ were arrested by Goa police after being deported from Thailand, following the deadly nightclub fire that killed 25 people

The Indian Army has received the latest and final batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopter fleet from US-based aerospace major Boeing on Tuesday. The move has marked the completion of Apache's six-unit fleet at the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It will be deployed following the completion of joint inspections and other formalities in the coming days.&nbsp;With the arrival of the final three aircraft, the Indian Army has now taken delivery of all six Apache attack helicopters procured for its Aviation Corps. Official sources also indicated that the helicopters were transported to India aboard an Antonov An-124 heavy-lift aircraft and will be based in Jodhpur.&nbsp;The induction represents a significant boost to the Army’s attack helicopter capability, especially for missions in desert terrain and along the western front.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US Embassy to India wrote in a post on X," Delivering on the @POTUS and @PMOIndia joint statement, the arrival of the latest @boeing_in AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army @adgpi marks another step forward in the U.S.India Major Defense Partnership. This milestone reflects the reliable and growing #USIndiaDefense partnership and fulfills commitments made by @SecWar and @DefenceMinIndia. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in co-production, training, and technology exchange."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delivering on the <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> joint statement, the arrival of the latest <a href="https://twitter.com/Boeing_In?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@boeing_in</a> AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> marks another step forward in the U.S.India Major Defense Partnership. This milestone reflects the reliable and growing… <a href="https://t.co/LmVRKQKo5C">pic.twitter.com/LmVRKQKo5C</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAndIndia/status/2001164083949867393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>What does the arrival mean for the Indian Army?</h3>India received the first batch of three Apaches in July, while the remaining helicopters arrived on Tuesday. The deliveries had faced multiple delays, with the original scheduled delivery date pointing to 2023, before being revised to 2024 and then further delayed. Earlier projections had suggested the first batch would arrive by February or March this year.&nbsp;Despite the multiple ups and downs, the Army formally inducted the helicopters after the arrival of the initial batch, signalling operational readiness even as deliveries were completed in phases.&nbsp;The helicopters were ordered in February 2020 under a $600 million agreement with the United States. While the Army formally inducted the Apaches after the initial delivery, the arrival of the final batch now enables the full operational deployment of its dedicated Apache squadron.

With the arrival of the final three aircraft, the Indian Army has now taken delivery of all six Apache attack helicopters procured for its Aviation Corps. The induction represents a significant boost to the Army’s attack helicopter capability, especially for missions in desert terrain.

The Indian Army has received the latest and final batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopter fleet from US-based aerospace major Boeing on Tuesday. The move has marked the completion of Apache's six-unit fleet at the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. It will be deployed following the completion of joint inspections and other formalities in the coming days. With the arrival of the final three aircraft, the Indian Army has now taken delivery of all six Apache attack helicopters procured for its Aviation Corps. Official sources also indicated that the helicopters were transported to India aboard an Antonov An-124 heavy-lift aircraft and will be based in Jodhpur. The induction represents a significant boost to the Army’s attack helicopter capability, especially for missions in desert terrain and along the western front. Meanwhile, the US Embassy to India wrote in a post on X," Delivering on the @POTUS and @PMOIndia joint statement, the arrival of the latest @boeing_in AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army @adgpi marks another step forward in the U.S.India Major Defense Partnership. This milestone reflects the reliable and growing #USIndiaDefense partnership and fulfills commitments made by @SecWar and @DefenceMinIndia. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in co-production, training, and technology exchange."

With the arrival of the final three aircraft, the Indian Army has now taken delivery of all six Apache attack helicopters procured for its Aviation Corps. The induction represents a significant boost to the Army’s attack helicopter capability, especially for missions in desert terrain.

Indian Army receives final batch of Apache AH-64E helicopters: What does the arrival mean?

In an effort to address severe air pollution, the Delhi government has made it mandatory for 50% of employees in both government and private sectors to work from home, starting Thursday (December 17). Labour Minister Kapil Mishra explained that this step aims to reduce daily commuting, thus cutting down vehicular emissions. The minister also warned that institutions failing to implement the mandate would face penalties.&nbsp;Recognising the hardship these measures may impose on workers, particularly in sectors like construction, Mishra announced a ₹10,000 financial aid package for those who have lost work due to the restrictions. The financial support comes as part of the ongoing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has been in effect for the past 16 days. Many workers have been unable to earn due to limitations placed on certain activities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-was-religious-obligation-indian-origin-man-kills-father-with-sledgehammer-in-us-says-he-molested-1765960603945">'It was religious obligation': Indian-origin man kills father with sledgehammer in US, says 'he molested...'</a>&nbsp;However, employees working in essential services, such as healthcare, emergency services, fire departments, and those directly involved in pollution control, will be exempt from the work-from-home rule. The minister confirmed that compensation would also be extended for the duration of GRAP IV, with the assistance available to workers who are registered with the government. The registration process is currently underway.&nbsp;Additionally, Mishra criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for staging protests and accused them of politicising the pollution issue. He remarked that while the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remains actively engaged in efforts to address the crisis, the AAP leadership was only focusing on political agendas. He also pointed out that solving a pollution problem that has been decades in the making cannot be achieved in just a few months.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/horrifying-video-jharkhand-man-trampled-to-death-while-taking-selfies-with-a-herd-of-wild-elephants-1765949729824">Horrifying video: Jharkhand man trampled to death while taking selfies with a herd of wild elephants</a>

Delhi government imposes 50% WFH rule to reduce emissions, offers compensation of $110 for construction workers

In an effort to address severe air pollution, the Delhi government has made it mandatory for 50% of employees in both government and private sectors to work from home, starting Thursday (December 17). Labour Minister Kapil Mishra explained that this step aims to reduce daily commuting, thus cutting down vehicular emissions. The minister also warned that institutions failing to implement the mandate would face penalties. Recognising the hardship these measures may impose on workers, particularly in sectors like construction, Mishra announced a ₹10,000 financial aid package for those who have lost work due to the restrictions. The financial support comes as part of the ongoing Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has been in effect for the past 16 days. Many workers have been unable to earn due to limitations placed on certain activities. Also Read: 'It was religious obligation': Indian-origin man kills father with sledgehammer in US, says 'he molested...' However, employees working in essential services, such as healthcare, emergency services, fire departments, and those directly involved in pollution control, will be exempt from the work-from-home rule. The minister confirmed that compensation would also be extended for the duration of GRAP IV, with the assistance available to workers who are registered with the government. The registration process is currently underway. Additionally, Mishra criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for staging protests and accused them of politicising the pollution issue. He remarked that while the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remains actively engaged in efforts to address the crisis, the AAP leadership was only focusing on political agendas. He also pointed out that solving a pollution problem that has been decades in the making cannot be achieved in just a few months. Also Read: Horrifying video: Jharkhand man trampled to death while taking selfies with a herd of wild elephants

Delhi's government enforces 50% work-from-home under GRAP to curb pollution. ₹10,000 compensation announced for construction workers facing income loss

An Indian-origin man has been charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly killed his 67-year-old father with a sledgehammer, &nbsp;according to US media reports. The man has been identified as Abhijit Patel. According to Cook County prosecutors, victim Anupam Patel was found unresponsive at a residence in Schaumburg, Illinois. According to reports, Patel surrendered as soon as police arrived and during the probe, he said that he had "religious obligation" to kill his father for allegedly molesting him when he was a child. Reports also said that Patel was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was previously hospitalised for treatment.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-s-bondi-beach-gunman-charged-with-terrorism-15-murder-counts-here-s-all-we-know-1765954339329">Australia's Bondi beach gunman charged with terrorism, 15 murder counts - Here's all we know</a>&nbsp;As per reports, accused Abhijit Patel told his mother to go and check father Anupam Patel. &nbsp;"I have taken care of him," Abhijit reportedly said. The court was informed that Abhijit Patel displayed many disturbing behaviour in past owing to which he was banned from his university campus. In November 2024, he allegedly made concerning comments on social media and in group chats to his fellow students at the University of Illinois Chicago. He was banned from campus until he was evaluated by a psychiatrist. At the time of the murder, he was barred from contacting his father as he had made threats to kill his father earlier too. After the arrest, he told the police that he had a religious duty to murder his father because his father purportedly abused him when he was a child.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/rob-reiner-death-la-prosecutors-have-charged-nick-reiner-with-murder-in-parents-deaths-1765938610755">Rob Reiner death: LA prosecutors have charged Nick Reiner with murder in parents' deaths</a>&nbsp;

US authorities charged 28-year-old Abhijit Patel with first-degree murder after he allegedly killed his father, Anupam Patel, with a sledgehammer at their Illinois home. Patel, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed a “religious obligation.” He is held without bail.

An Indian-origin man has been charged with first-degree murder after he allegedly killed his 67-year-old father with a sledgehammer, according to US media reports. The man has been identified as Abhijit Patel. According to Cook County prosecutors, victim Anupam Patel was found unresponsive at a residence in Schaumburg, Illinois. According to reports, Patel surrendered as soon as police arrived and during the probe, he said that he had "religious obligation" to kill his father for allegedly molesting him when he was a child. Reports also said that Patel was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was previously hospitalised for treatment. Also Read: Australia's Bondi beach gunman charged with terrorism, 15 murder counts - Here's all we know As per reports, accused Abhijit Patel told his mother to go and check father Anupam Patel. "I have taken care of him," Abhijit reportedly said. The court was informed that Abhijit Patel displayed many disturbing behaviour in past owing to which he was banned from his university campus. In November 2024, he allegedly made concerning comments on social media and in group chats to his fellow students at the University of Illinois Chicago. He was banned from campus until he was evaluated by a psychiatrist. At the time of the murder, he was barred from contacting his father as he had made threats to kill his father earlier too. After the arrest, he told the police that he had a religious duty to murder his father because his father purportedly abused him when he was a child. Also Read: Rob Reiner death: LA prosecutors have charged Nick Reiner with murder in parents' deaths

US authorities charged 28-year-old Abhijit Patel with first-degree murder after he allegedly killed his father, Anupam Patel, with a sledgehammer at their Illinois home. Patel, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed a “religious obligation.” He is held without bail.

'It was religious obligation': Indian-origin man kills father with sledgehammer in US, says 'he molested...'

A 32-year-old man was reportedly trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand on Tuesday when attempting to click selfies with the animals, an official confirmed. The mishap unfolded in Ara South in the Mandu block of the Ramgarh district.&nbsp;Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar stated that the deceased individual, identified as Amit Kumar Rajwar, a resident of Kedla village, was trampled to death when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies.&nbsp;"These kinds of incidents are happening even though the Forest Department is repeatedly making announcements using loudspeakers, urging people not to come close to wild elephants," he said, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kumar also indicated that around 42 jumbos, divided into multiple groups, were roaming the forests along the border of Bokaro and Ramgarh districts.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">India | Jharkhand | Ramgarh | 16 December 2025 A heartbreaking incident has come to light from Ramgarh district, where a young man lost his life while trying to record a video of wild elephants in the Ghato OP area. What was meant to be a viral moment turned into an irreversible… <a href="https://t.co/XnTurgEMPP">pic.twitter.com/XnTurgEMPP</a>&mdash; Mazhar Khan (@Mazhar4justice) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mazhar4justice/status/2001017570359644303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>A man was trampled to death by an elephant in Odisha</h3>In a similar incident a days ago, a young man was trampled to death by an elephant while trying to experience a glimpse of the wild animal in the Mayurbhanj district of Karanjia forest area. The incident occurred in the tribal-dominated Narasandh Joba village.&nbsp;As per the report by Odisha TV, the youth had joined a group of local residents who gathered to catch a glimpse of a herd of elephants that had strayed from Jharkhand into the Ghagarbeda area.&nbsp;Late on Monday night, around 30 elephants were seen passing through the region, drawing crowds of onlookers keen to see the animals. While most people kept their distance, the young man allegedly moved too close to one of the elephants, triggering a fatal attack. Despite attempts to rescue him, he died after being trampled by the animal.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar stated that the deceased individual, identified as Amit Kumar Rajwar, a resident of Kedla village, was trampled to death when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies.

A 32-year-old man was reportedly trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand on Tuesday when attempting to click selfies with the animals, an official confirmed. The mishap unfolded in Ara South in the Mandu block of the Ramgarh district. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar stated that the deceased individual, identified as Amit Kumar Rajwar, a resident of Kedla village, was trampled to death when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies. "These kinds of incidents are happening even though the Forest Department is repeatedly making announcements using loudspeakers, urging people not to come close to wild elephants," he said, Indian news agency PTI reported. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kumar also indicated that around 42 jumbos, divided into multiple groups, were roaming the forests along the border of Bokaro and Ramgarh districts.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar stated that the deceased individual, identified as Amit Kumar Rajwar, a resident of Kedla village, was trampled to death when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies.

Horrifying video: Jharkhand man trampled to death while taking selfies with a herd of wild elephants

Delhi government on Tuesday (Dec 16) announced that all private vehicles below a certain emission standard would be banned from entering the Indian national capital. The sudden ban is set to upend the lives and commutes of people across NCR. Will your commute be affected? What emission standard must your vehicle follow to gain entry into Delhi? Here's all you need to know.<h2>Which vehicles are no longer allowed in Delhi?</h2>The Delhi government has announced that non-BS VI vehicles are no longer allowed in Delhi. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the strict measures have been put in place to curb vehicular pollution in the national capital. This means that BS IV vehicles, which till a few years ago were considered the gold standard, will no longer be allowed in Delhi. &nbsp; &nbsp;At a press conference, Sirsa revealed that "To control tailpipe emissions from vehicles, all petrol/diesel/CNG pump dealers have been instructed to provide fuel only upon presentation of a valid PUCC."He said, "For the protection of Delhi's air, all vehicles registered outside Delhi and of a category lower than BS-VI will not be allowed to enter Delhi when GRAP-III and GRAP-IV are implemented. No polluting vehicle will be allowed to enter Delhi."Sirsa said that with GRAP-IV in force, vehicles carrying construction vehicles into Delhi will also be barred. For the rest,&nbsp;<h2>How to find out if your car is BS VI or not?</h2>BS-VI or Bharat Stage 6 emission standard was mandated for all new vehicle sales and registrations starting April 1, 2020. This means that if your car's manufacture date is April 2020 or later, it should adhere to the BS-VI emission standard.To verify your vehicle's BS-VI status, check the Registration Certificate (RC).<h2>Here's how you can make your commute smoother</h2>Follow the above-mentioned steps to verify your vehicle's BS-VI emission status. Vehicle owners must also carry a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). According to an official Delhi government release, without it, you may be denied fuel supply at petrol pumps in Delhi.<h2>How many people/vehicles will be affected by this ban?</h2>Reports suggest that across NCR, over 10 Lakh vehicles are set to be affected by this ban. In Gurgaon, there are more than 200,000 (2 lakh) BS IV vehicles. In Noida, this number doubles to 400,000 (4 lakh), and in Ghaziabad, it jumps to 550,000 (5.5 lakh). In addition, the city has over 47,000 commercial BS-IV diesel vehicles and over 2,000 BS-III pwtrol vehicles, as well as approximately 2,200 BS-III and IV buses. Furthermore, approximately 92,000 diesel vehicles in Gurgaon have already exceeded the 10-year age limit.

Delhi bans non-BS VI vehicles. Will you be stopped? FAQs: What’s banned? How to check your car's BS-VI status? Can you still get fuel at petrol pumps? All your questions answered HERE. 

Delhi government on Tuesday (Dec 16) announced that all private vehicles below a certain emission standard would be banned from entering the Indian national capital. The sudden ban is set to upend the lives and commutes of people across NCR. Will your commute be affected? What emission standard must your vehicle follow to gain entry into Delhi? Here's all you need to know. Which vehicles are no longer allowed in Delhi? The Delhi government has announced that non-BS VI vehicles are no longer allowed in Delhi. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the strict measures have been put in place to curb vehicular pollution in the national capital. This means that BS IV vehicles, which till a few years ago were considered the gold standard, will no longer be allowed in Delhi. At a press conference, Sirsa revealed that "To control tailpipe emissions from vehicles, all petrol/diesel/CNG pump dealers have been instructed to provide fuel only upon presentation of a valid PUCC." He said, "For the protection of Delhi's air, all vehicles registered outside Delhi and of a category lower than BS-VI will not be allowed to enter Delhi when GRAP-III and GRAP-IV are implemented. No polluting vehicle will be allowed to enter Delhi." Sirsa said that with GRAP-IV in force, vehicles carrying construction vehicles into Delhi will also be barred. For the rest, How to find out if your car is BS VI or not? BS-VI or Bharat Stage 6 emission standard was mandated for all new vehicle sales and registrations starting April 1, 2020. This means that if your car's manufacture date is April 2020 or later, it should adhere to the BS-VI emission standard. To verify your vehicle's BS-VI status, check the Registration Certificate (RC). Here's how you can make your commute smoother Follow the above-mentioned steps to verify your vehicle's BS-VI emission status. Vehicle owners must also carry a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). According to an official Delhi government release, without it, you may be denied fuel supply at petrol pumps in Delhi. How many people/vehicles will be affected by this ban? Reports suggest that across NCR, over 10 Lakh vehicles are set to be affected by this ban. In Gurgaon, there are more than 200,000 (2 lakh) BS IV vehicles. In Noida, this number doubles to 400,000 (4 lakh), and in Ghaziabad, it jumps to 550,000 (5.5 lakh). In addition, the city has over 47,000 commercial BS-IV diesel vehicles and over 2,000 BS-III pwtrol vehicles, as well as approximately 2,200 BS-III and IV buses. Furthermore, approximately 92,000 diesel vehicles in Gurgaon have already exceeded the 10-year age limit.

Delhi bans non-BS VI vehicles. Will you be stopped? FAQs: What’s banned? How to check your car's BS-VI status? Can you still get fuel at petrol pumps? All your questions answered HERE.&nbsp;

Delhi shuts doors on older cars: Is your vehicle banned in Delhi? New BS VI rule EXPLAINED

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to Ethiopia, was honoured with “The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia" on Tuesday (Dec 16). Speaking on the occasion, the Indian PM said it was a proud moment for India. He said it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of the most ancient civilisations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude. "Today, on this occasion, I want to thank my friend PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. He is a great friend and a britehr," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-the-guy-is-racist-and-is-proud-of-it-piers-morgan-grills-nick-fuentes-for-calling-indian-origin-usha-vance-a-j-t-1765287992175">'The guy is racist and is proud of it': Piers Morgan grills Nick Fuentes for calling Indian-origin Usha Vance a 'J**t'</a>&nbsp;"When the whole world is focusing on global south today, we all should take insoiration from Ethiopia," the Indian PM added. PM Modi arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour. &nbsp;Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received him at the airport, highlighting the significance Ethiopia attached to the visit.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-who-won-nyc-mayor-polls-on-promise-to-make-city-affordable-set-to-move-into-100mn-mansion-with-wife-for-safety-1765296231524">Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’</a>&nbsp;In a rare and symbolic gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali also drove Prime Minister Modi to his hotel. “I have been awarded the ‘Great Honour of the Nishan of Ethiopia’, the highest honour of this country. It is a matter of great pride for me to be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilisations," PM Modi wrote on X.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-s-happening-in-pakistan-karachi-is-under-violence-protestors-demand-separate-sindhudesh-1765281879984">What's happening in Pakistan? Karachi is ‘under violence’, protestors demand separate ‘Sindhudesh’</a>&nbsp;So far, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was the first and only recipient of the honour, having been awarded in June 2025 for 25 years of transformative developmental impact through the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Indian PM said it was a proud moment for India. He said  it was an honor for him to accept the award from one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to Ethiopia, was honoured with “The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia" on Tuesday (Dec 16). Speaking on the occasion, the Indian PM said it was a proud moment for India. He said it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of the most ancient civilisations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude. "Today, on this occasion, I want to thank my friend PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. He is a great friend and a britehr," PM Modi said. Also read: 'The guy is racist and is proud of it': Piers Morgan grills Nick Fuentes for calling Indian-origin Usha Vance a 'J**t' "When the whole world is focusing on global south today, we all should take insoiration from Ethiopia," the Indian PM added. PM Modi arrived in Addis Ababa from Jordan on the second leg of his three-nation tour. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali personally received him at the airport, highlighting the significance Ethiopia attached to the visit. Also read: Zohran Mamdani, who won NYC mayor polls on promise to make City ‘affordable’, set to move into $100mn mansion with wife for ‘safety’ In a rare and symbolic gesture, Abiy Ahmed Ali also drove Prime Minister Modi to his hotel. “I have been awarded the ‘Great Honour of the Nishan of Ethiopia’, the highest honour of this country. It is a matter of great pride for me to be honoured by one of the world’s most ancient and rich civilisations," PM Modi wrote on X. Also read: What's happening in Pakistan? Karachi is ‘under violence’, protestors demand separate ‘Sindhudesh’ So far, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was the first and only recipient of the honour, having been awarded in June 2025 for 25 years of transformative developmental impact through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Indian PM said it was a proud moment for India. He said it was an honor for him to accept the award from one of the most ancient civilizations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude.

‘Proud moment for India’: PM Narendra Modi gets the highest honour of Ethiopia, becomes 1st foreign leader to receive it

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (Dec 16) took charge as Sports Minister of state, after Aroop Biswas tendered his resignation over controversy surrounding the mismanagement of global football icon Lionel Messi's Kolkata event. Biswas, who urged the CM to relieve him of his sports portfolio, will remain part of the Cabinet heading the power ministry of West Bengal.&nbsp;Accepting her minister's resignation, an official statement from the CM read that "until and unless the impartial inquiry is over, the Sports Department will be looked after by me for the time being."&nbsp;"As per the enclosed letter, I appreciate the sentiment and intention of the Sports Minister to offer a relief from the Sports Department for the sake of impartial inquiry into the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) incident on December 13, 2025," according to an official statement from the state government.&nbsp;Sports Minister Aroop Biswas stepped down from his post after massive chaos erupted during Messi's GOAT India tour in Kolkata. The state government ordered a probe into the incident by a special team comprising IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar to find out the causes and fix responsibility for the ordeal. &nbsp;The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) does not want to take chances of unfavourable public opinion ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The Kolkata police have already arrested the organiser of the event, Satadru Dutta.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-labels-colombia-s-clan-del-golfo-as-terrorist-organisation-amid-peace-talks-1765901719483">US labels Colombia's Clan del Golfo as terrorist organisation amid peace talks</a>Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance in Kolkata, the opening stop of the GOAT Tour 2025, descended into disorder as crowd management faltered. What was billed as a celebration of the World Cup-winning football icon in a state known for its deep love of the game turned sour when the pitch was crowded with VIPs and politicians.&nbsp;According to attendees, their presence blocked views of the Argentine star, leaving many fans frustrated and claiming they barely caught a glimpse of the footballer they had paid to see.

Sports Minister Aroop Biswas stepped down from his post after massive chaos erupted during Messi's GOAT India tour in Kolkata.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (Dec 16) took charge as Sports Minister of state, after Aroop Biswas tendered his resignation over controversy surrounding the mismanagement of global football icon Lionel Messi's Kolkata event. Biswas, who urged the CM to relieve him of his sports portfolio, will remain part of the Cabinet heading the power ministry of West Bengal. Accepting her minister's resignation, an official statement from the CM read that "until and unless the impartial inquiry is over, the Sports Department will be looked after by me for the time being." "As per the enclosed letter, I appreciate the sentiment and intention of the Sports Minister to offer a relief from the Sports Department for the sake of impartial inquiry into the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) incident on December 13, 2025," according to an official statement from the state government. Sports Minister Aroop Biswas stepped down from his post after massive chaos erupted during Messi's GOAT India tour in Kolkata. The state government ordered a probe into the incident by a special team comprising IPS officers Piyush Pandey, Javed Shamim, Supratim Sarkar and Muralidhar to find out the causes and fix responsibility for the ordeal. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) does not want to take chances of unfavourable public opinion ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The Kolkata police have already arrested the organiser of the event, Satadru Dutta. Also Read: US labels Colombia's Clan del Golfo as terrorist organisation amid peace talks Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated appearance in Kolkata, the opening stop of the GOAT Tour 2025, descended into disorder as crowd management faltered. What was billed as a celebration of the World Cup-winning football icon in a state known for its deep love of the game turned sour when the pitch was crowded with VIPs and politicians. According to attendees, their presence blocked views of the Argentine star, leaving many fans frustrated and claiming they barely caught a glimpse of the footballer they had paid to see.

Sports Minister Aroop Biswas stepped down from his post after massive chaos erupted during Messi's GOAT India tour in Kolkata.

Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata Banerjee assumes charge of West Bengal sports after minister’s resignation

Expanding the scope of the crackdown on immigrants and individuals looking to migrate to the United States seeking better employment and education opportunities, the Trump administration made the US visa-vetting system stricter. The US State Department announced that all H1B workers and their H-4 dependents must undergo social media screening. The decision was implemented on December 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;“As of December 15, the Department will expand the requirement that an online presence review be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents, in addition to the students and exchange visitors already subject to this review. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public,” according to a US State Department press release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-us-end-h-1b-programme-know-what-elon-musk-thinks-about-indian-immigrants-donald-trump-elon-musk-tesla-immigration-indian-immigration-us-1764519420595">Should US end H-1B programme? Know what Elon Musk thinks about Indian immigrants</a>&nbsp;The State Department stressed that it will use all the available information about an applicant in the visa screening and vetting process “We conduct thorough vetting of all visa applicants, including online presence review of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.” Explaining the rationale behind the move, the State Department said the system is designed to bolster national security while keeping the integrity of the visa system intact.&nbsp;&nbsp;The US Embassy in India in June warned visa applicants against cleaning their social media profiles “Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the embassy said on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jordan-crown-prince-personally-chauffeurs-pm-modi-to-national-museum-diplomacy-pm-modi-africa-pm-modi-on-foreign-visits-1765891284302">Jordan Crown Prince personally chauffeurs PM Modi to national museum</a>&nbsp;The decision came amid the ongoing crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, the US President imposed stricter conditions on the H1B visa programme, making it difficult for job seekers to enter the United States. Beginning September 1, US employers seeking to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations have to pay $1 lakh supplemental fee for new workers. &nbsp;

The US Department of State has mandated an online presence review for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, a requirement took effect from December 15, as part of expanded screening measures.

Expanding the scope of the crackdown on immigrants and individuals looking to migrate to the United States seeking better employment and education opportunities, the Trump administration made the US visa-vetting system stricter. The US State Department announced that all H1B workers and their H-4 dependents must undergo social media screening. The decision was implemented on December 15. “As of December 15, the Department will expand the requirement that an online presence review be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents, in addition to the students and exchange visitors already subject to this review. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public,” according to a US State Department press release. Also Read: Should US end H-1B programme? Know what Elon Musk thinks about Indian immigrants The State Department stressed that it will use all the available information about an applicant in the visa screening and vetting process “We conduct thorough vetting of all visa applicants, including online presence review of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications.” Explaining the rationale behind the move, the State Department said the system is designed to bolster national security while keeping the integrity of the visa system intact. The US Embassy in India in June warned visa applicants against cleaning their social media profiles “Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas,” the embassy said on X. Also Read: Jordan Crown Prince personally chauffeurs PM Modi to national museum The decision came amid the ongoing crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, the US President imposed stricter conditions on the H1B visa programme, making it difficult for job seekers to enter the United States. Beginning September 1, US employers seeking to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations have to pay $1 lakh supplemental fee for new workers.

The US Department of State has mandated an online presence review for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, a requirement took effect from December 15, as part of expanded screening measures.

Your political opinions online could cost you US visa: Trump administration expands screening for H-1B and H-4 visas

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (December 16) launched a sharp attack on senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan over his comments on the Indian Air Force and Operation Sindoor, accusing the Congress of consistently undermining the armed forces. The controversy erupted after Chavan claimed that India had suffered a complete setback on the first day of Operation Sindoor. He further alleged that the Indian Air Force did not carry out any sorties and remained inactive during the operation, triggering widespread criticism.&nbsp;Reacting strongly, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla termed Chavan’s remarks “deeply disturbing” and accused the Congress of disrespecting the military. In a post on social media platform X, Poonawalla said that insulting the armed forces has become a defining trait of the Congress party.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-ram-ka-naam-badnaam-na-karo-shashi-tharoor-takes-a-dig-at-centre-s-move-to-rename-mgnrega-as-vb-g-ramg-bill-1765890002061">'Ram ka naam badnaam na karo': Shashi Tharoor takes a dig at Centre's move to rename MGNREGA as VB-G RAMG Bill</a>&nbsp;Chavan also questioned the relevance of maintaining a large standing army, suggesting that modern warfare would largely be limited to aerial and missile-based engagements. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he argued that there was no ground movement of troops and wondered whether India truly needs an army of nearly 12 lakh personnel or if they could be redeployed for other purposes. "Recently, we saw during Operation Sindoor, there was not even a one-kilometre movement of the military. Whatever happened over two or three days was only an aerial war and missile warfare. In the future, too, wars will be fought in the same way. In such a situation, do we really need to maintain an army of 12 lakh soldiers, or can we make they do some other work?" he was quoted as saying news agency ANI. &nbsp;Meanwhile, speculation about Indian fighter aircraft being shot down during the operation gained traction following remarks attributed to a Defence Attache. The Indian government later clarified that these comments, made at a seminar in Indonesia, were taken out of context and did not reflect the actual intent of the presentation. Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The operation involved precision strikes on terror infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists.

BJP criticised Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan over his remarks on Operation Sindoor, accusing the party of disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (December 16) launched a sharp attack on senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan over his comments on the Indian Air Force and Operation Sindoor, accusing the Congress of consistently undermining the armed forces. The controversy erupted after Chavan claimed that India had suffered a complete setback on the first day of Operation Sindoor. He further alleged that the Indian Air Force did not carry out any sorties and remained inactive during the operation, triggering widespread criticism. Reacting strongly, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla termed Chavan’s remarks “deeply disturbing” and accused the Congress of disrespecting the military. In a post on social media platform X, Poonawalla said that insulting the armed forces has become a defining trait of the Congress party. Also Read: 'Ram ka naam badnaam na karo': Shashi Tharoor takes a dig at Centre's move to rename MGNREGA as VB-G RAMG Bill Chavan also questioned the relevance of maintaining a large standing army, suggesting that modern warfare would largely be limited to aerial and missile-based engagements. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he argued that there was no ground movement of troops and wondered whether India truly needs an army of nearly 12 lakh personnel or if they could be redeployed for other purposes. "Recently, we saw during Operation Sindoor, there was not even a one-kilometre movement of the military. Whatever happened over two or three days was only an aerial war and missile warfare. In the future, too, wars will be fought in the same way. In such a situation, do we really need to maintain an army of 12 lakh soldiers, or can we make they do some other work?" he was quoted as saying news agency ANI. Meanwhile, speculation about Indian fighter aircraft being shot down during the operation gained traction following remarks attributed to a Defence Attache. The Indian government later clarified that these comments, made at a seminar in Indonesia, were taken out of context and did not reflect the actual intent of the presentation. Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. The operation involved precision strikes on terror infrastructure linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, resulting in the elimination of over 100 terrorists.

BJP criticised Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan over his remarks on Operation Sindoor, accusing the party of disrespecting the Indian Armed Forces

'Congress hates Indian Armed Forces': BJP hits back at former Maharashtra CM over Operation Sindoor remarks

As soon as winter arrives, it poses several risks to heart health, particularly for people with existing cardiovascular problems. Falling temperatures can place added strain on the heart, making it especially important for patients and caregivers to remain alert and take preventive precautions.&nbsp;Doctors have warned that winter significantly increases the risk of heart attacks due to a mix of physiological stress and lifestyle changes triggered by cold weather. Medical experts stated that falling temperatures place extra strain on the heart, especially among the elderly and people with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease.&nbsp;In response to the reason explaining why heart attacks spike in winter, Dr Joy Shome, Senior Consultant – Cardiology and Head of TAVR/TAVI at BM Birla Heart Hospital, said, "Winter is a high-risk period for cardiac events because cold weather triggers multiple stress responses in the body. Low temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and increases the heart’s workload. At the same time, blood becomes slightly thicker, making clot formation more likely—this combination can precipitate heart attacks, especially in people with hypertension, diabetes, valve disease or existing coronary artery blockages. Festive-season factors such as rich food, excess salt and alcohol intake, reduced physical activity, poor sleep and emotional stress further compound the risk. Sudden exposure to cold, particularly during early morning walks or bathing, can act as an immediate trigger."&nbsp;Dr Joy Shome added that festive-season habits such as rich food, excess salt and alcohol, poor sleep and reduced physical activity further compound the risk. "To reduce risk, individuals should dress warmly, avoid sudden cold exposure, continue prescribed heart and blood-pressure medications without interruption, limit salt and alcohol intake, stay physically active indoors, and seek prompt medical attention for warning signs such as chest discomfort, breathlessness or unusual fatigue. Winter heart attacks are largely preventable with vigilance and timely care," he also said.&nbsp;Echoing similar concerns, Dr Rahul Sharma, Additional Director – Cardiology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, said,"Due to a number of physiological and lifestyle factors brought on by the cold, heart attacks tend to increase during the winter. Blood vessel constriction brought on by low temperatures raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Additionally, exposure to cold increases stress hormones, which can increase the risk of blood clotting, one of the main causes of heart attacks. Winter also frequently brings weight gain, poor eating habits, decreased physical activity, and an increase in respiratory infections, all of which put stress on the heart. Elderly people and those with pre-existing heart conditions should stay warm, exercise frequently, control their blood pressure and cholesterol, and get help right away if they have symptoms like dyspnea or chest pain."<h3>Cold weather leads to vascular constriction</h3>Meanwhile, Consultant Cardiologist Dr Sunil Kumar Mandal from Kailash Hospital, Greater Noida, indicated that cold weather leads to vascular constriction and thicker blood due to dehydration.&nbsp;"Through the winter months, there is a drastic increase in heart attack cases, with the cold weather being the main reason. Cold and freezing weather causes vascular constriction, which increases blood pressure, and the heart has to pump more powerfully. So, the heart's work would be even harder and slower than under normal conditions, more so if the blood was thick because of fluid loss resulting from the winter's low humidity and people's limited water intake. In this scenario, the risk of a blood clot forming and the consequent event of a heart attack is enormously increased," he said.&nbsp;"Besides, the cold weather has an impact on the body's health by the release of hormones that cause stress, such as adrenaline, which contribute to rapid heartbeats and raise the blood pressure, thus the heart gets more and more exhausted. The winter season has also been known to disturb people's daily habits—less physical activity, unhealthy food, smoking, drinking, and forgetfulness about medications—all detrimental to one's heart health. In addition, winter is the season for respiratory infections, and flu, which, apart from causing discomfort, can also cause the heart to suffer a lot, especially in the elderly and those with existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease," Dr Sunil added.&nbsp;He further emphasised to individuals for regular indoor exercise, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, drinking lots of water, and also prohibited quick transitioning from hot to extremely cold environments.&nbsp;"Hence, individuals with any of the health conditions mentioned above must keep doing some exercise indoors, maintain a heart-healthy diet, drink lots of water, and avoid rapidly moving from hot to extremely cold environments. Regular health checkups and prompt control of risk factors can significantly reduce the chance of heart emergencies during winter. Awareness and preventive measures of the public are still the best weapons to fight against heart attacks during the chilly months of the year," he further added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Medical experts stated that falling temperatures place extra strain on the heart, especially among the elderly and people with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

As soon as winter arrives, it poses several risks to heart health, particularly for people with existing cardiovascular problems. Falling temperatures can place added strain on the heart, making it especially important for patients and caregivers to remain alert and take preventive precautions. Doctors have warned that winter significantly increases the risk of heart attacks due to a mix of physiological stress and lifestyle changes triggered by cold weather. Medical experts stated that falling temperatures place extra strain on the heart, especially among the elderly and people with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease. In response to the reason explaining why heart attacks spike in winter, Dr Joy Shome, Senior Consultant – Cardiology and Head of TAVR/TAVI at BM Birla Heart Hospital, said, "Winter is a high-risk period for cardiac events because cold weather triggers multiple stress responses in the body. Low temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and increases the heart’s workload. At the same time, blood becomes slightly thicker, making clot formation more likely—this combination can precipitate heart attacks, especially in people with hypertension, diabetes, valve disease or existing coronary artery blockages. Festive-season factors such as rich food, excess salt and alcohol intake, reduced physical activity, poor sleep and emotional stress further compound the risk. Sudden exposure to cold, particularly during early morning walks or bathing, can act as an immediate trigger." Dr Joy Shome added that festive-season habits such as rich food, excess salt and alcohol, poor sleep and reduced physical activity further compound the risk. "To reduce risk, individuals should dress warmly, avoid sudden cold exposure, continue prescribed heart and blood-pressure medications without interruption, limit salt and alcohol intake, stay physically active indoors, and seek prompt medical attention for warning signs such as chest discomfort, breathlessness or unusual fatigue. Winter heart attacks are largely preventable with vigilance and timely care," he also said. Echoing similar concerns, Dr Rahul Sharma, Additional Director – Cardiology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, said,"Due to a number of physiological and lifestyle factors brought on by the cold, heart attacks tend to increase during the winter. Blood vessel constriction brought on by low temperatures raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Additionally, exposure to cold increases stress hormones, which can increase the risk of blood clotting, one of the main causes of heart attacks. Winter also frequently brings weight gain, poor eating habits, decreased physical activity, and an increase in respiratory infections, all of which put stress on the heart. Elderly people and those with pre-existing heart conditions should stay warm, exercise frequently, control their blood pressure and cholesterol, and get help right away if they have symptoms like dyspnea or chest pain." Cold weather leads to vascular constriction Meanwhile, Consultant Cardiologist Dr Sunil Kumar Mandal from Kailash Hospital, Greater Noida, indicated that cold weather leads to vascular constriction and thicker blood due to dehydration. "Through the winter months, there is a drastic increase in heart attack cases, with the cold weather being the main reason. Cold and freezing weather causes vascular constriction, which increases blood pressure, and the heart has to pump more powerfully. So, the heart's work would be even harder and slower than under normal conditions, more so if the blood was thick because of fluid loss resulting from the winter's low humidity and people's limited water intake. In this scenario, the risk of a blood clot forming and the consequent event of a heart attack is enormously increased," he said. "Besides, the cold weather has an impact on the body's health by the release of hormones that cause stress, such as adrenaline, which contribute to rapid heartbeats and raise the blood pressure, thus the heart gets more and more exhausted. The winter season has also been known to disturb people's daily habits—less physical activity, unhealthy food, smoking, drinking, and forgetfulness about medications—all detrimental to one's heart health. In addition, winter is the season for respiratory infections, and flu, which, apart from causing discomfort, can also cause the heart to suffer a lot, especially in the elderly and those with existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease," Dr Sunil added. He further emphasised to individuals for regular indoor exercise, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, drinking lots of water, and also prohibited quick transitioning from hot to extremely cold environments. "Hence, individuals with any of the health conditions mentioned above must keep doing some exercise indoors, maintain a heart-healthy diet, drink lots of water, and avoid rapidly moving from hot to extremely cold environments. Regular health checkups and prompt control of risk factors can significantly reduce the chance of heart emergencies during winter. Awareness and preventive measures of the public are still the best weapons to fight against heart attacks during the chilly months of the year," he further added.

Medical experts stated that falling temperatures place extra strain on the heart, especially among the elderly and people with existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Why do heart attacks spike in winter? Doctors explain the hidden cold-weather triggers

In a very rare occurrence in Indian politics, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday (Dec 16) apologised to the citizens for the ongoing air crisis in the national capital, saying that it is "impossible" for any elected government to bring down air pollution in a short span of 9 to 10 months. His apology comes a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was greeted with AQI, AQI chants at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT tour.&nbsp;“I apologise to the people of Delhi for the rising air pollution. We are working consistently to reduce it day by day. No government can completely control pollution levels within nine to ten months,” Sirsa said while addressing a press conference.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stay-indoors-singapore-advises-its-nationals-amid-delhi-air-pollution-crisis-air-quality-delhi-ncr-rekha-gupta-pm-modi-india-1765794337239">Delhi air crisis: Multiple nations including UK, Canada issue advisory as AQI remains in ‘severe’ category</a>&nbsp;The minister blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the air pollution and said that the BJP government is making sustained efforts to tackle pollution, but could not fix the damage in such a short span.&nbsp;"We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it," he said.&nbsp;Registering a marginal improvement from Monday, Delhi's overall AQI on Tuesday stood at 378, falling in the "very poor' category. Despite the slight dip, pollution levels remained dangerously high across large parts of the national capital, and a dense blanket of toxic smog enveloped the city, severely reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;Also Read: '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-ram-ka-naam-badnaam-na-karo-shashi-tharoor-takes-a-dig-at-centre-s-move-to-rename-mgnrega-as-vb-g-ramg-bill-1765890002061">Ram ka naam badnaam na karo': Shashi Tharoor takes a dig at Centre's move to rename MGNREGA as VB-G RAMG Bill</a>&nbsp;Over the past three days, Delhi's AQI has sustained in the 'severe 'category, which experts believe can cause serious harm to the respiratory and heart functions of the human body. The authorities enforced stringent restrictions under the GRAP-IV to prevent further deterioration. The measures included hybrid learning for schoolchildren and imposing transportation curbs.

The Environment Minister blamed the previous Kejriwal-led AAP government, saying it was impossible to fix a long-standing problem in a short span of time.

In a very rare occurrence in Indian politics, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday (Dec 16) apologised to the citizens for the ongoing air crisis in the national capital, saying that it is "impossible" for any elected government to bring down air pollution in a short span of 9 to 10 months. His apology comes a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was greeted with AQI, AQI chants at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT tour. “I apologise to the people of Delhi for the rising air pollution. We are working consistently to reduce it day by day. No government can completely control pollution levels within nine to ten months,” Sirsa said while addressing a press conference. Also Read: Delhi air crisis: Multiple nations including UK, Canada issue advisory as AQI remains in ‘severe’ category The minister blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the air pollution and said that the BJP government is making sustained efforts to tackle pollution, but could not fix the damage in such a short span. "We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it," he said. Registering a marginal improvement from Monday, Delhi's overall AQI on Tuesday stood at 378, falling in the "very poor' category. Despite the slight dip, pollution levels remained dangerously high across large parts of the national capital, and a dense blanket of toxic smog enveloped the city, severely reducing visibility and causing discomfort to residents on Tuesday morning. Also Read: 'Ram ka naam badnaam na karo': Shashi Tharoor takes a dig at Centre's move to rename MGNREGA as VB-G RAMG Bill Over the past three days, Delhi's AQI has sustained in the 'severe 'category, which experts believe can cause serious harm to the respiratory and heart functions of the human body. The authorities enforced stringent restrictions under the GRAP-IV to prevent further deterioration. The measures included hybrid learning for schoolchildren and imposing transportation curbs.

The Environment Minister blamed the previous Kejriwal-led AAP government, saying it was impossible to fix a long-standing problem in a short span of time.

Delhi air crisis: Minister Sirsa apologises as CM Rekha Gupta faces AQI chants

In a special gesture, Jordan Crown Prince Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Dec 16) to the Jordan Museum in Amman. Modi visited Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.&nbsp;Sharing the photos in a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the way to The Jordan Museum with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II. The Crown Prince is the 42nd generation direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">في الطريق إلى متحف الأردن برفقة صاحب السمو الملكي ولي العهد الأمير الحسين بن عبدالله الثاني <a href="https://t.co/Kj5I2xuBFG">pic.twitter.com/Kj5I2xuBFG</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2000834379355185446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Modi's Jordan visit comes after 37 years since an Indian Prime Minister had a full-fledged bilateral visit to the country and was part of this three-nation tour, including Ethiopia, Jordan and Oman.&nbsp;Extending the special welcome accorded to Modi, Jordan's Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally bid farewell to the Prime Minister at the airport, reflecting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/india-bangladesh-marks-54th-anniversary-of-vijay-diwas-here-s-what-happened-on-this-day-know-all-about-it-indra-gandhi-sam-manekshaw-1765882142817">India-Bangladesh marks 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Here's what happened&nbsp;on&nbsp;this&nbsp;day. Know all about it</a>&nbsp;Thanking the crown prince for a warm welcome and hospitality, PM Modi said, “My visit to Jordan has been immensely productive. I thank His Majesty King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan for their exceptional friendship. Our discussions have strengthened the India-Jordan partnership across key areas such as renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, cultural exchanges and heritage cooperation.&nbsp;The outcomes we have achieved together will open new avenues for progress and prosperity for our citizens. I am also thankful to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II for coming to the airport as I leave Jordan.”&nbsp;Earlier during the visit, the Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace in Amman, where both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, including Gaza and counter-terrorism cooperation.

In a unique gesture, Jordanian Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National Museum and personally saw him off at the airport.

In a special gesture, Jordan Crown Prince Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (Dec 16) to the Jordan Museum in Amman. Modi visited Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Sharing the photos in a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the way to The Jordan Museum with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II. The Crown Prince is the 42nd generation direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad.

In a unique gesture, Jordanian Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II drove Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National Museum and personally saw him off at the airport.

Jordan Crown Prince personally chauffeurs PM Modi to national museum

The Indian National Congress has announced a series of nationwide protests on December 17 in response to the Central government's move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to "dismantle rights-based welfare" and replace it with charity controlled from the Centre.&nbsp;Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led Centre while opposing the VB-G RAM G Bill in the Lok Sabha, and recalled the 1971 hit Bollywood number, "Dekho o deewano (tum) ye kaam na karo, Ram ka naam badnaam na karo". Tharoor said the proposed legislation goes beyond a routine administrative change, describing it as an “attack on the core spirit and philosophical foundations” of a vital welfare scheme.&nbsp;The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Opposition took a sharp dip and protested over the omission of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the law.&nbsp;Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated while introducing the bill that the Centre not only believes in Gandhi but also follows his principles. "The (Narendra) Modi government has done more for rural development than previous governments," he said, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;Tharoor stated that the VB-G RAM G Bill highlights a deeply regrettable and retrograde step for the nation and a commitment to the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens. "My first objection, as with others, is the ill-advised decision to remove the name of the Father of the Nation, for the reasons already stated, which I will not repeat. But this is not merely an administrative tweak, it is an assault on the very spirit and philosophical foundation of this crucial programme," he said.<h3>Gandhi's vision of Ram Rajya was not political: Tharoor</h3>The former Union minister added while asserting that Gandhi's vision of Ram Rajya was never a purely political project. He said it was a socio-economic blueprint which is entrenched in the empowerment of villages, and his unwavering faith in Gram Swaraj was part of his vision of Ram Rajya.&nbsp;"The original Act, by bearing his name, acknowledged this profound connection -- that true employment guarantee and upliftment must flow from the grassroots, embodying his principle of the last person first. To remove the name of Mahatma Gandhi is to strip the bill of its moral compass and historical legitimacy," Tharoor also said.&nbsp;"Then to have two languages in the title just to make the acronym G RAM G is not just a violation of Article 348, as pointed out in the previous discussion, but it also reminds me of a song from my childhood -- 'Dekho o deewano (tum) ye kaam na karo, Ram ka naam badnaam na karo'," he further added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that the VB-G RAM G Bill highlights a deeply regrettable and retrograde step for the nation and a commitment to the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens.

The Indian National Congress has announced a series of nationwide protests on December 17 in response to the Central government's move to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to "dismantle rights-based welfare" and replace it with charity controlled from the Centre. Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday criticised the BJP-led Centre while opposing the VB-G RAM G Bill in the Lok Sabha, and recalled the 1971 hit Bollywood number, "Dekho o deewano (tum) ye kaam na karo, Ram ka naam badnaam na karo". Tharoor said the proposed legislation goes beyond a routine administrative change, describing it as an “attack on the core spirit and philosophical foundations” of a vital welfare scheme. The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, which aims to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Opposition took a sharp dip and protested over the omission of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the law. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated while introducing the bill that the Centre not only believes in Gandhi but also follows his principles. "The (Narendra) Modi government has done more for rural development than previous governments," he said, news agency PTI reported. Tharoor stated that the VB-G RAM G Bill highlights a deeply regrettable and retrograde step for the nation and a commitment to the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens. "My first objection, as with others, is the ill-advised decision to remove the name of the Father of the Nation, for the reasons already stated, which I will not repeat. But this is not merely an administrative tweak, it is an assault on the very spirit and philosophical foundation of this crucial programme," he said. Gandhi's vision of Ram Rajya was not political: Tharoor The former Union minister added while asserting that Gandhi's vision of Ram Rajya was never a purely political project. He said it was a socio-economic blueprint which is entrenched in the empowerment of villages, and his unwavering faith in Gram Swaraj was part of his vision of Ram Rajya. "The original Act, by bearing his name, acknowledged this profound connection -- that true employment guarantee and upliftment must flow from the grassroots, embodying his principle of the last person first. To remove the name of Mahatma Gandhi is to strip the bill of its moral compass and historical legitimacy," Tharoor also said. "Then to have two languages in the title just to make the acronym G RAM G is not just a violation of Article 348, as pointed out in the previous discussion, but it also reminds me of a song from my childhood -- 'Dekho o deewano (tum) ye kaam na karo, Ram ka naam badnaam na karo'," he further added.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that the VB-G RAM G Bill highlights a deeply regrettable and retrograde step for the nation and a commitment to the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens.

Congress to hold nationwide protest against Centre on Dec 17;  Tharoor takes dig at move to rename MGNREGA as VB-G RAMG Bill

The Ministry of Home Affairs revealed data on border infiltrations on Tuesday (Dec 16); India sees maximum cases along the border the country shares with Bangladesh. Security forces have reported 23,926 infiltrators who have crossed over from borders along Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan in over a decade.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The length of International Border along India-Pakistan is 2,289.66 kms, out of which 2,135.136 kms, i.e. 93.25% has been physically fenced and 154.524 kms, i.e. 6.75% is unfenced. The length of International Border along India-Bangladesh is 4,096.70 kms, out of which 3,239.92… <a href="https://t.co/75l6z10Kyl">pic.twitter.com/75l6z10Kyl</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2000843697999765739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As per an official data tabled in the Lok Sabha, the India-Bangladesh border accounted for the highest number of apprehensions, followed by the borders with Myanmar, Pakistan, and Nepal-Bhutan. The figures, compiled year-wise since 2014, indicate persistent infiltration attempts along India's western and eastern frontiers, while the northern border with China has remained free of reported infiltration cases.&nbsp;Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai shared the year-wise data in a written reply to a query raised by two Trinamool Congress MPs- Jagdish Chandra Barma Basunia and Sharmila Sarkar, informing that a total of 20,806 infiltrators were arrested at India's international borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan and Nepal-Bhutan since 2014 to 2024 while 3,120 infiltrators were arrested from these borders from between January and November 2025. The data shows that a maximum of 18,851 infiltrators were arrested along the India-Bangladesh border, followed by 1,165 similar arrests at the India-Myanmar border, 556 arrests at the India-Pakistan border, and 234 on the India-Nepal-Bhutan borders.

Security forces have reported 23,926 infiltrators who have crossed over from borders along Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan in over a decade.

The Ministry of Home Affairs revealed data on border infiltrations on Tuesday (Dec 16); India sees maximum cases along the border the country shares with Bangladesh. Security forces have reported 23,926 infiltrators who have crossed over from borders along Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan in over a decade.

Security forces have reported 23,926 infiltrators who have crossed over from borders along Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan in over a decade.

No infiltration along India-China border since 2014: Government

In a decisive blow to anti-national elements operating under the garb of social activism, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today conducted coordinated searches across multiple districts of the Kashmir, exposing a clandestine terror-support ecosystem masquerading as voices of social change. The searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 03/2023, registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Sections 505 &amp; 153-A IPC and Sections 13 &amp; 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The action was undertaken after obtaining due authorization through search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar.&nbsp;The case stems from credible intelligence inputs indicating that certain individuals in Jammu &amp; Kashmir were exploiting platforms linked to mass media, social media, human rights advocacy, environmental causes and women empowerment as a cover to carry out activities gravely prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of India.&nbsp;&nbsp;Discreet verification further revealed their suspected links with secessionist groups and proscribed terrorist organisations.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-must-revive-old-trade-routes-with-jordan-for-future-growth-pm-modi-1765870949423">India must revive old trade routes with Jordan for future growth: PM Modi</a>&nbsp;Investigations have also brought to light that some of these individuals were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers using encrypted communication applications.&nbsp;They are suspected to have been actively involved in peddling false narratives, glorifying terrorists and terrorism, radicalising impressionable youth, and systematically attempting to disrupt public order and peace in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;Acting on these inputs, 12 locations across Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Budgam and Shopian were identified and searched. During the operation, 12 suspects were detained for questioning. A substantial cache of incriminating digital material was seized, including 10 mobile phones, 01 laptop and 14 SIM cards, all of which are now under detailed forensic examination.&nbsp;The operation has successfully dismantled a dangerous covert network that sought to exploit the credibility of social causes to advance terror agendas. The seized digital evidence is expected to unravel deeper layers of the conspiracy, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.&nbsp;Investigation is on to unearth the full scale of the conspiracy, identify other conspirators &amp; associates and expose their chain of communication with terrorist-secessionist handlers sitting across the border. CIK reiterates its firm resolve to act against all elements inimical to national security and warns that no misuse of democratic spaces or social platforms to promote terrorism will be tolerated.&nbsp;&nbsp;The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security in the Union Territory.

During the operation, 12 suspects were detained for questioning. A substantial cache of incriminating digital material was seized, including 10 mobile phones, 01 laptop and 14 SIM cards, all of which are now under detailed forensic examination.

In a decisive blow to anti-national elements operating under the garb of social activism, Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) today conducted coordinated searches across multiple districts of the Kashmir, exposing a clandestine terror-support ecosystem masquerading as voices of social change. The searches were carried out in connection with FIR No. 03/2023, registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Sections 505 & 153-A IPC and Sections 13 & 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The action was undertaken after obtaining due authorization through search warrants issued by the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar. The case stems from credible intelligence inputs indicating that certain individuals in Jammu & Kashmir were exploiting platforms linked to mass media, social media, human rights advocacy, environmental causes and women empowerment as a cover to carry out activities gravely prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity and security of India. Discreet verification further revealed their suspected links with secessionist groups and proscribed terrorist organisations. Also Read - India must revive old trade routes with Jordan for future growth: PM Modi Investigations have also brought to light that some of these individuals were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based terror handlers using encrypted communication applications. They are suspected to have been actively involved in peddling false narratives, glorifying terrorists and terrorism, radicalising impressionable youth, and systematically attempting to disrupt public order and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. Acting on these inputs, 12 locations across Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Kupwara, Budgam and Shopian were identified and searched. During the operation, 12 suspects were detained for questioning. A substantial cache of incriminating digital material was seized, including 10 mobile phones, 01 laptop and 14 SIM cards, all of which are now under detailed forensic examination. The operation has successfully dismantled a dangerous covert network that sought to exploit the credibility of social causes to advance terror agendas. The seized digital evidence is expected to unravel deeper layers of the conspiracy, and further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. Investigation is on to unearth the full scale of the conspiracy, identify other conspirators & associates and expose their chain of communication with terrorist-secessionist handlers sitting across the border. CIK reiterates its firm resolve to act against all elements inimical to national security and warns that no misuse of democratic spaces or social platforms to promote terrorism will be tolerated. The public is urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security in the Union Territory.

During the operation, 12 suspects were detained for questioning. A substantial cache of incriminating digital material was seized, including 10 mobile phones, 01 laptop and 14 SIM cards, all of which are now under detailed forensic examination

CIK raids expose terror network operating undercover of social activism in Kashmir

In response to inquiries regarding the shooters involved in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, India Police have issued several key statements to news agency Reuters. Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old attacker from India, is reportedly not connected to any radicalisation events linked to India. Indian police confirmed that there were no adverse records regarding Akram in India prior to his departure in 1998. Furthermore, they said that factors leading to his radicalisation have no connection to India.&nbsp;The police clarified that Akram’s family in Hyderabad has no knowledge of his “radical mindset,” nor the circumstances surrounding his radicalisation. Akram had limited contact with his family members, having visited India only six times in the 27 years since he moved to Australia, mainly for family matters. His family was unaware of his evolving views or any activities leading to the attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-terror-attack-dashcam-shows-married-couple-died-attempting-to-save-others-during-shooting-video-1765882324859">Bondi Beach terror attack: Dashcam shows married couple died attempting to save others during shooting | VIDEO</a><h2>What Telangana Police said about shooters involved in Bondi Beach terror attack?</h2>Following the mass shooting during a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which resulted in deaths of 15 people and of one of the attackers, Australian authorities are treating the attack as an act of terrorism. The perpetrators, identified as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24), were reportedly inspired by ISIS ideology. Australian authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of their involvement.&nbsp;In a press note released by Telangana police, it says that Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He married Venera Grosso, an Australian of European origin, and they have two children: Naveed, one of the attackers, and a daughter, both Australian citizens.&nbsp;Although Sajid Akram had limited contact with his family in India, he visited the country on six times after his emigration, mainly for property-related matters and to see his elderly parents. However, he did not return for his father’s funeral. His relatives in India have said they had no knowledge of his radicalisation or ideological shift, nor any connection to events in India that could have influenced his views. Telangana Police confirmed there were no issues or adverse records related to Sajid Akram during his time in India before his move to Australia.&nbsp;The police have reassured that they are fully cooperating with Australian authorities and other relevant agencies, while urging the media and public to refrain from speculation in the absence of confirmed facts.

Bondi Beach terror attack: India police extends full support to Australian authorities

In response to inquiries regarding the shooters involved in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, India Police have issued several key statements to news agency Reuters. Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old attacker from India, is reportedly not connected to any radicalisation events linked to India. Indian police confirmed that there were no adverse records regarding Akram in India prior to his departure in 1998. Furthermore, they said that factors leading to his radicalisation have no connection to India. The police clarified that Akram’s family in Hyderabad has no knowledge of his “radical mindset,” nor the circumstances surrounding his radicalisation. Akram had limited contact with his family members, having visited India only six times in the 27 years since he moved to Australia, mainly for family matters. His family was unaware of his evolving views or any activities leading to the attack. Also Read: Bondi Beach terror attack: Dashcam shows married couple died attempting to save others during shooting | VIDEO What Telangana Police said about shooters involved in Bondi Beach terror attack? Following the mass shooting during a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025, which resulted in deaths of 15 people and of one of the attackers, Australian authorities are treating the attack as an act of terrorism. The perpetrators, identified as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24), were reportedly inspired by ISIS ideology. Australian authorities are continuing to investigate the full scope of their involvement. In a press note released by Telangana police, it says that Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He married Venera Grosso, an Australian of European origin, and they have two children: Naveed, one of the attackers, and a daughter, both Australian citizens. Although Sajid Akram had limited contact with his family in India, he visited the country on six times after his emigration, mainly for property-related matters and to see his elderly parents. However, he did not return for his father’s funeral. His relatives in India have said they had no knowledge of his radicalisation or ideological shift, nor any connection to events in India that could have influenced his views. Telangana Police confirmed there were no issues or adverse records related to Sajid Akram during his time in India before his move to Australia. The police have reassured that they are fully cooperating with Australian authorities and other relevant agencies, while urging the media and public to refrain from speculation in the absence of confirmed facts.

Indian police confirm Sajid Akram has no record in India before leaving in 1998. Telangana Police clarify there’s no link to radicalisation or India in Bondi Beach shooting

December 16 marks the 54th anniversary of 'Vijay Diwas,' the Indian armed forces' decisive victory over Pakistan, forcing 93,000 of its troops to surrender weapons in Dhaka and splitting the country into two parts. On the east side of India, Bangladesh, carved out of East Pakistan. Bangladesh celebrate the day as Victory Day as the country was liberated from the Pakistani occupation forces on this day in 1971 after a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation.&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation visit, remembered the courageous armed forces who fought tooth and nail in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. He paid tribute to the unmatched spirit of nationalism of the brave soldiers.&nbsp;"On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit. Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians," he wrote on X.&nbsp;Commemorating the heroes of the 1971, war, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP… <a href="https://t.co/S9KsyV5fsy">pic.twitter.com/S9KsyV5fsy</a>&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/2000822218700587251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/over-my-dead-body-lt-gen-sagat-singh-s-bold-leap-that-won-1971-war-how-a-daring-helicopter-crossing-of-the-meghna-river-ended-the-war-in-13-days-1765871501135">'Over my dead body': Lt Gen Sagat Singh’s Bold leap that won 1971 war | How a daring helicopter crossing of Meghna river ended the war in 13 days</a>&nbsp;Banglesh's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus marked Victory Day, the day it gained liberation from West Pakistan, by observing a military parade in Dhaka's National Parade Ground along with the Army chief, chiefs of other wings of the military, senior leaders and government officials. &nbsp;&nbsp;The president and the chief adviser have paid tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the Savar National Martyrs' Memorial on the outskirts of the capital at sunrise.&nbsp;The events that led to the creation of Bangladesh and the Indian Army's decisive victory, prompting the biggest surrender since World War II.<h2>The 1970 election verdict denied</h2>Pakistan’s political crisis began with the December 1970 general election, the country’s first national poll based on adult franchise. The Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a landslide, securing 167 of 169 seats in East Pakistan and an absolute majority in the National Assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the clear mandate, the West Pakistani leadership, military dictator President General Yahya Khan and Pakistan Peoples Party chief Zulfikar Ali Bhutto refused to transfer power. The indefinite postponement of the National Assembly session triggered mass protests across East Pakistan.<h2>Army crackdown and declaration of independence</h2>On the night of March 25–26, 1971, the Pakistan Army launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal military crackdown aimed at crushing Bengali political resistance. Troops targeted students, intellectuals and Awami League supporters in Dhaka and other cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested, but before that, Bangladesh’s independence was declared on March 26. A provisional government-in-exile was later formed, while the Mukti Bahini resistance force began guerrilla operations with Indian support.<h2>India enters the war, surrender follows</h2>As violence escalated, nearly 10 million refugees fled into India. After Pakistan launched air strikes on Indian airfields on December 3, 1971, India formally entered the war. Under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Army chief General Sam Manekshaw, Indian forces executed a swift eastern campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;On December 16, 1971, Lt Gen A.A.K. Niazi surrendered to Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora in Dhaka, with around 93,000 Pakistani troops laying down arms, marking the largest military surrender since World War II and the birth of Bangladesh.

On December 16, 1971, the Indian armed forces scored a decisive victory over Pakistan, forcing 93,000 Pakistani troops to lay down their arms in Dhaka and leading to the creation of Bangladesh from East Pakistan.

December 16 marks the 54th anniversary of 'Vijay Diwas,' the Indian armed forces' decisive victory over Pakistan, forcing 93,000 of its troops to surrender weapons in Dhaka and splitting the country into two parts. On the east side of India, Bangladesh, carved out of East Pakistan. Bangladesh celebrate the day as Victory Day as the country was liberated from the Pakistani occupation forces on this day in 1971 after a nine-month-long bloodstained War of Liberation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation visit, remembered the courageous armed forces who fought tooth and nail in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. He paid tribute to the unmatched spirit of nationalism of the brave soldiers. "On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit. Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians," he wrote on X. Commemorating the heroes of the 1971, war, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Param Vir Dirgha at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On December 16, 1971, the Indian armed forces scored a decisive victory over Pakistan, forcing 93,000 Pakistani troops to lay down their arms in Dhaka and leading to the creation of Bangladesh from East Pakistan.

India-Bangladesh mark 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Here's what happened on this day. Know all about it

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s government has sparked a meme fest on social media after it announced a ban on coal and firewood tandoors across hotels, restaurants and eateries in the city last week. The move, mocked by netizens, was taken in a bid to tackle the pressing issue of pollution in the national capital. The new rule has sparked frustration among people, who have alleged that the Delhi government has not made enough efforts to tackle the growing problem of air pollution.&nbsp;On Tuesday (Dec 16), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 400 at several areas, including Anand Vihar and ITO. As the air quality continues to deteriorate, authorities implemented stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday (Dec 13).&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-nightclub-fire-luthra-brothers-land-in-delhi-after-deportation-from-thailand-first-pic-here-1765876593184">Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers land in Delhi after deportation from Thailand – First pic here</a>&nbsp;The ban on tandoor was announced last week after an order was issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. All eateries are now required to switch to electric, gas-based, or other clean fuels. Under GRAP IV, burning of biomass, waste, or similar materials (which could include coal) is strictly prohibited.&nbsp;Following the ban, netizens flooded social media with memes, mocking the move taken by the Delhi government and accusing the authorities of not making proper efforts to combat air pollution in the city.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-buses-catch-fire-after-collision-on-delhi-agra-expressway-multiple-casualties-feared-1765850058702">Four dead after several vehicles catch fire in collision on Delhi-Agra Expressway</a>&nbsp;“Banning Tandoor to reduce air pollution is like banning bicycles to reduce traffic jam,” wrote one social media user.&nbsp;Another person questioned the move while posting a video of pollution in Delhi, saying, “The view yesterday from Akshardham metro - the solution? A TANDOOR BAN.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The view yesterday from akshardham metro - the solution? A TANDOOR BAN 🤷🏻‍♂️ <a href="https://t.co/TVZVME0dym">pic.twitter.com/TVZVME0dym</a>&mdash; Nimesh (@Nimesh00543674) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nimesh00543674/status/2000774353382990261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One user wrote: “To reduce pollution... Kejriwal: Odd-Even, Red Light on Gaadi Off, stops construction work, Anti Smog Guns, Car pooling, Crackers Ban etc... Le BJP: Tandoor ban.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To reduce pollution... Kejriwal: Odd-Even, Red Light on Gaadi Off, stops construction work, Anti Smog Guns, Car pooling, Crackers Ban etc... Le BJP: Tandoor ban kardo bc... 🤦‍♂️🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/BnoSD36YbF">https://t.co/BnoSD36YbF</a>&mdash; 🇮🇳Rohit🇮🇳 (@Rohit_p__) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rohit_p__/status/2000494707919425798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">You can now spot Himalayas from Delhi because Rekha Gupta has banned tandoor! <a href="https://t.co/Y72L2pBbNU">pic.twitter.com/Y72L2pBbNU</a>&mdash; Stoic Singh 🇮🇳 (@stoicsinghInd) <a href="https://twitter.com/stoicsinghInd/status/2000529262986822090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi gov banning Tandoor to reduce air pollution <a href="https://t.co/cOwBeZzNiC">pic.twitter.com/cOwBeZzNiC</a>&mdash; cнєєкυ⋆｡🪐˚ ⋆ (@Okay_Bye___) <a href="https://twitter.com/Okay_Bye___/status/2000536184741941680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi government banning tandoors to combat pollution. <a href="https://t.co/mFahrZLyvR">pic.twitter.com/mFahrZLyvR</a>&mdash; Narundar (@NarundarM) <a href="https://twitter.com/NarundarM/status/2000817607059136570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Most Luxury item for Delhities after Tandoor Ban! <a href="https://t.co/UL8mXxVf9d">pic.twitter.com/UL8mXxVf9d</a>&mdash; POOJA DUBEY (@poojavdubey) <a href="https://twitter.com/poojavdubey/status/2000613111683010744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Following the ban, netizens flooded social media with memes, mocking the move taken by the Delhi government and accusing the authorities of not making proper efforts to combat air pollution in the city.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s government has sparked a meme fest on social media after it announced a ban on coal and firewood tandoors across hotels, restaurants and eateries in the city last week. The move, mocked by netizens, was taken in a bid to tackle the pressing issue of pollution in the national capital. The new rule has sparked frustration among people, who have alleged that the Delhi government has not made enough efforts to tackle the growing problem of air pollution. On Tuesday (Dec 16), Delhi recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of around 400 at several areas, including Anand Vihar and ITO. As the air quality continues to deteriorate, authorities implemented stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Saturday (Dec 13). Also read | Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers land in Delhi after deportation from Thailand – First pic here The ban on tandoor was announced last week after an order was issued under Section 31(A) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. All eateries are now required to switch to electric, gas-based, or other clean fuels. Under GRAP IV, burning of biomass, waste, or similar materials (which could include coal) is strictly prohibited. Following the ban, netizens flooded social media with memes, mocking the move taken by the Delhi government and accusing the authorities of not making proper efforts to combat air pollution in the city. Also read | Four dead after several vehicles catch fire in collision on Delhi-Agra Expressway “Banning Tandoor to reduce air pollution is like banning bicycles to reduce traffic jam,” wrote one social media user. Another person questioned the move while posting a video of pollution in Delhi, saying, “The view yesterday from Akshardham metro - the solution? A TANDOOR BAN.”

Following the ban, netizens flooded social media with memes, mocking the move taken by the Delhi government and accusing the authorities of not making proper efforts to combat air pollution in the city.

Delhiites denied tandoori chicken? Netizens react after Rekha Gupta govt bans tandoor

In a significant setback for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a Delhi court on Tuesday (December 16) declined to take cognisance of the money laundering chargesheet filed against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court held that the ED’s complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was legally unsustainable, as it was founded on a private complaint rather than a registered First Information Report (FIR).&nbsp;&nbsp;The court noted that, under the law, such a complaint could not form the basis for taking cognisance. However, it added that the ED may pursue legal remedies if it chooses to do so. Apart from Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the agency had also named Congress leaders Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda, along with entities including Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise and businessman Sunil Bhandari as accused in the case. The Congress party has consistently argued that the ED’s investigation is driven by political motives, while the agency has maintained that the case involves serious financial wrongdoing, alleging forgery and money laundering linked to assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) worth over ₹2,000 crore.&nbsp;According to reports, ED is likely to challenge the Rouse Avenue Court’s order. The agency’s legal team is examining the detailed judgment and may file an appeal. According to sources, the ED believes the court may have overlooked key portions of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case, and that the complaint was not an ordinary private one, as cognisance of the underlying offence had already been taken earlier. Reacting to the ruling, the Congress posted on X, saying, “Truth has triumphed.” The party accused the Modi government of misusing investigative agencies to target the opposition and claimed the court had exposed the ED’s actions as unlawful and driven by malice.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-nightclub-fire-luthra-brothers-land-in-delhi-after-deportation-from-thailand-first-pic-here-1765876593184">Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers land in Delhi after deportation from Thailand – First pic here</a>&nbsp;In its statement, the Congress said the court found that, in the absence of an FIR, the ED had no jurisdiction to proceed. It further asserted that allegations of money laundering, transfer of property and proceeds of crime were baseless and politically motivated. “The attempt to intimidate the Congress leadership has failed,” the party said, adding that it would continue to stand by truth and constitutional values. The statement concluded with the phrase, “Satyameva Jayate.”&nbsp;Senior Congress leader and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi also welcomed the decision, describing the case as fundamentally flawed. He said there had been no movement of funds or transfer of immovable property, and that all AJL assets remained with the company. Singhvi argued that the only change was AJL’s shareholding structure, with Young Indian holding a majority stake, which did not amount to money laundering. He criticised the BJP for what he called exaggerated claims around the case.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court clarified that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other accused are not entitled to receive a copy of the FIR registered by Delhi Police in connection with the National Herald matter. The court ruled that while the accused can be informed about the registration of the FIR, they cannot demand a copy at this stage.

Delhi court refuses to take cognisance of ED’s National Herald chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, citing that there was no FIR

In a significant setback for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), a Delhi court on Tuesday (December 16) declined to take cognisance of the money laundering chargesheet filed against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Special Judge Vishal Gogne of the Rouse Avenue Court held that the ED’s complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was legally unsustainable, as it was founded on a private complaint rather than a registered First Information Report (FIR). The court noted that, under the law, such a complaint could not form the basis for taking cognisance. However, it added that the ED may pursue legal remedies if it chooses to do so. Apart from Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, the agency had also named Congress leaders Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda, along with entities including Young Indian, Dotex Merchandise and businessman Sunil Bhandari as accused in the case. The Congress party has consistently argued that the ED’s investigation is driven by political motives, while the agency has maintained that the case involves serious financial wrongdoing, alleging forgery and money laundering linked to assets of Associated Journals Limited (AJL) worth over ₹2,000 crore. According to reports, ED is likely to challenge the Rouse Avenue Court’s order. The agency’s legal team is examining the detailed judgment and may file an appeal. According to sources, the ED believes the court may have overlooked key portions of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Vijay Madanlal Choudhary case, and that the complaint was not an ordinary private one, as cognisance of the underlying offence had already been taken earlier. Reacting to the ruling, the Congress posted on X, saying, “Truth has triumphed.” The party accused the Modi government of misusing investigative agencies to target the opposition and claimed the court had exposed the ED’s actions as unlawful and driven by malice. Also Read: Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers land in Delhi after deportation from Thailand – First pic here In its statement, the Congress said the court found that, in the absence of an FIR, the ED had no jurisdiction to proceed. It further asserted that allegations of money laundering, transfer of property and proceeds of crime were baseless and politically motivated. “The attempt to intimidate the Congress leadership has failed,” the party said, adding that it would continue to stand by truth and constitutional values. The statement concluded with the phrase, “Satyameva Jayate.” Senior Congress leader and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi also welcomed the decision, describing the case as fundamentally flawed. He said there had been no movement of funds or transfer of immovable property, and that all AJL assets remained with the company. Singhvi argued that the only change was AJL’s shareholding structure, with Young Indian holding a majority stake, which did not amount to money laundering. He criticised the BJP for what he called exaggerated claims around the case. Meanwhile, the Rouse Avenue Court clarified that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and other accused are not entitled to receive a copy of the FIR registered by Delhi Police in connection with the National Herald matter. The court ruled that while the accused can be informed about the registration of the FIR, they cannot demand a copy at this stage.

Delhi court refuses to take cognisance of ED’s National Herald chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, citing that there was no FIR

'Truth has triumphed', says Congress as court dismisses National Herald case against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi

Goa nightclub fire accused Luthra brothers were arrested after landing in Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 16) following their deportation from Bangkok, Thailand. This comes after they were nabbed in Thailand on Thursday (Dec 11) from a report in Phuket. Gaurav and Saurav Luthra will appear before the Patiala House court for remand proceedings. The brothers fled to Thailand after the deadly fire at their ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The tragic incident, which took place on December 6, 2025, killed 25 people.&nbsp;Authorities in Thailand tracked and detained the brothers, who were staying in Phuket, on December 9 when they had stepped out for a meal. Indian authorities had alerted their Thai counterparts, and when the Luthras left their hotel, local immigration officers confirmed their identities and checked their travel records.&nbsp;Following their arrest, they were escorted to an immigration facility, where the deportation process was initiated after receiving formal paperwork from India.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-buses-catch-fire-after-collision-on-delhi-agra-expressway-multiple-casualties-feared-1765850058702">Four dead after several vehicles catch fire in collision on Delhi-Agra Expressway</a> &nbsp;Earlier, on December 7, the Goa Police registered a criminal case against the Luthra brothers at the Arpora Anjuna Police Station in North Goa. The FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to causing death by negligence and endangering life.&nbsp;According to the police complaint, Luthras organised a fire show at their nightclub without taking basic safety precautions. Investigators revealed that Birch by Romeo Lane lacked mandatory fire safety equipment and had no proper emergency exits on either the ground floor or the deck, despite hosting a large number of patrons.&nbsp;&nbsp;A massive blaze erupted at the venue that engulfed parts of the restaurant. The fire left people trapped, with little chance to escape. The police have said that the Luthra brothers were aware of the safety lapses but went ahead with the event regardless.

Goa nightclub fire accused Luthra brothers were arrested after landing in Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 16) following their deportation from Bangkok, Thailand.

Goa nightclub fire accused Luthra brothers were arrested after landing in Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 16) following their deportation from Bangkok, Thailand. This comes after they were nabbed in Thailand on Thursday (Dec 11) from a report in Phuket. Gaurav and Saurav Luthra will appear before the Patiala House court for remand proceedings. The brothers fled to Thailand after the deadly fire at their ‘Birch by Romeo Lane’ nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The tragic incident, which took place on December 6, 2025, killed 25 people. Authorities in Thailand tracked and detained the brothers, who were staying in Phuket, on December 9 when they had stepped out for a meal. Indian authorities had alerted their Thai counterparts, and when the Luthras left their hotel, local immigration officers confirmed their identities and checked their travel records. Following their arrest, they were escorted to an immigration facility, where the deportation process was initiated after receiving formal paperwork from India. Also read | Four dead after several vehicles catch fire in collision on Delhi-Agra Expressway Earlier, on December 7, the Goa Police registered a criminal case against the Luthra brothers at the Arpora Anjuna Police Station in North Goa. The FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to causing death by negligence and endangering life. According to the police complaint, Luthras organised a fire show at their nightclub without taking basic safety precautions. Investigators revealed that Birch by Romeo Lane lacked mandatory fire safety equipment and had no proper emergency exits on either the ground floor or the deck, despite hosting a large number of patrons. A massive blaze erupted at the venue that engulfed parts of the restaurant. The fire left people trapped, with little chance to escape. The police have said that the Luthra brothers were aware of the safety lapses but went ahead with the event regardless.

Goa nightclub fire accused Luthra brothers were arrested after landing in Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 16) following their deportation from Bangkok, Thailand.

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers land in Delhi after deportation from Thailand – First pic here

At its core, theatre commands are sold as an operational correction. Not a philosophical shift, not an institutional rebranding, but a practical answer to an old military problem: too many sensors, too many shooters, too many decision-makers, and not enough time to connect them when it matters. Modern conflict does not wait for files to move or chains of command to align. It rewards those who can see first, decide faster, and act with coherence across domains that no longer respect service boundaries.&nbsp;Yet, it is worth stating at the outset that for India, this operational correction is ultimately anchored on land warfare. India’s primary security challenges remain territorial, persistent, and manpower-intensive. Theatre commands, whatever their final structure, will succeed or fail based on how effectively they support the land battle, where wars are physically decided, populations are controlled, and political outcomes are enforced.&nbsp;This is where the operational argument for theaterisation is most often made. Not at the level of flags and headquarters, but in how intelligence flows, how firepower is coordinated, how forces move, and how quickly decisions travel from detection to effect.&nbsp;Modern warfare begins with sensing. Satellites, UAVs, ground radars, electronic surveillance, cyber indicators, and human intelligence feeds now generate volumes of data that no single service can process in isolation. India already operates a wide array of such assets across its services; each developed for specific operational needs. What theaterisation proposes is not more sensors, but a single operational picture that allows commanders to see the battlespace as a whole rather than through service-specific windows.&nbsp;For land forces in particular, this integration is decisive. Ground formations operate under conditions of friction, terrain constraint, and constant contact. Fragmented ISR directly translates into tactical surprise, delayed reactions, and higher attrition. Integrated ISR under a theatre commander is therefore less about technological sophistication and more about ensuring that the soldier at the edge is never operating blind because information is trapped in another service’s pipeline.&nbsp;In theory, integrated ISR under a theatre commander reduces friction. Instead of parallel intelligence chains feeding different headquarters, information converges into a shared operational understanding. The intent is straightforward: eliminate duplication, reduce blind spots, and prevent the same data from being interpreted differently by different commands. Inhigh-tempo environments along the northern borders, where land forces carry the weight of deterrence and escalation control, this convergence becomes operationally non-negotiable.&nbsp;Firepower, too, has outgrown neat service silos. Precision strikes today rarely belong to one domain. A target detected by an aerial platform may be engaged by ground-based missiles, long-range artillery, attack helicopters, or airpower. Theaterisation aims to place all shooters under a unified operational authority so that the question is no longer which service owns the asset, but which effect is required in support of the land campaign, and how quickly it can be delivered.&nbsp;This distinction matters. In Indian conditions, fires are rarely ends in themselves. They are enablers of manoeuvre, protection, and dominance for forces operating on the ground. Theatre commands, if structured correctly, allow air and maritime firepower to be employed not as parallel efforts, but as extensions of the land commander’s operational design.&nbsp;Joint fire coordination is therefore central to the theatre concept. By collapsing service-specific clearance chains, theatre commands seek to shorten the time between detection and engagement. This matters in an era where targets are mobile, fleeting, and often protected by layered defences. For ground forces engaged in contact or poised for manoeuvre, speed of fires is not just tactical advantage; it is the difference between seizing initiative and absorbing losses.&nbsp;Mobility is the third pillar often cited. India’s geography presents a demanding operational canvas, from high-altitude land borders to vast maritime spaces. Theatre commands are designed to synchronise airlift, sealift, ground movement, and logistics so that forces can be repositioned without the delays that come from negotiating inter-service boundaries.&nbsp;Here again, the land battle is the fulcrum. Airlift and sealift derive meaning only when they translate into combat power where troops are deployed, sustained, and reinforced. Theatre-level mobility seeks to ensure that land commanders can shift forces, concentrate strength, and sustain operations without being constrained by service ownership of lift and logistics.&nbsp;Underlying all of this is the concept of the decision loop. Modern military thinking places enormous emphasis on shortening the Observe–Orient–Decide–Act cycle. The side that processes information faster and acts decisively can impose tempo on the adversary. Theatre commands are structured to compress these loops by placing authority, information, and resources within the same operational framework.&nbsp;For India, decision-speed at the theatre level is especially critical for land-centric contingencies, where escalation windows are narrow and political signalling is tightly coupled to ground posture. A dispersed or ambiguous command structure risks hesitation at precisely the moment when clarity is required.&nbsp;In theory, this architecture promises coherence. One commander with one operational picture, supported by integrated staffs, directing assets across domains. The intent is to reduce latency, eliminate redundancy, and align effort across land, air, sea, cyber, and space. Yet, as with all structural reforms, the operational elegance on paper must contend with organisational reality.&nbsp;Integration at this scale demands more than reassigning assets. It requires interoperability of systems, harmonisation of procedures, and a shared professional language across services that have evolved distinct cultures, doctrines, and operational instincts over decades.&nbsp;ISR integration, for instance, is not merely about data sharing. It is about trust in interpretation, clarity in prioritisation, and agreement on thresholds for action. When multiple services rely on the same intelligence feed, the question of who validates, who authorises, and who acts becomes central. Theatre commands promise resolution through unified authority, but authority itself must be exercised in a manner that recognises the primacy of ground realities and the consequences borne by troops in contact.&nbsp;Similarly, joint fires demand more than technical connectivity. They require shared doctrines, common training standards, and mutual confidence in each other’s systems and crews. Precision does not forgive misalignment, and integrated firepower magnifies both effectiveness and error—especially when fires are supporting manoeuvre at close quarters.&nbsp;Mobility and logistics, often described as the backbone of theatre operations, bring their own complexities. Unified logistics promise efficiency, but also require deep reengineering of supply chains, maintenance practices, and inventory management. In sustained land campaigns, logistics is not a background function; it is an operational determinant.&nbsp;Decision loops, too, carry their own tensions. Speed is valuable, but clarity is essential. Compressing decision cycles without ensuring robustness of judgement can introduce risk. Theatre commands aim to balance speed with deliberation, but this balance is not static. It must be learned, practiced, and constantly adjusted through exercises and real-world contingencies.&nbsp;None of this negates the operational logic of theaterisation. Rather, it underscores the scale of what is being attempted. Integrating ISR, fires, mobility, and command into a single operational machine is not a cosmetic change. It is a redefinition of how military power is organised and applied.&nbsp;The promise is clear: fewer seams, faster responses, and a force that operates as one. The test, however, lies in whether this integration consistently strengthens the land battle—the arena where India’s wars will be fought, controlled, and concluded.&nbsp;Operational effectiveness is not produced by structures alone. It emerges from how those structures are inhabited, understood, and exercised under pressure. In the end, theaterisation at the operational level is a wager on coherence: a belief that unity of command can translate into unity of action across increasingly complex battlefields, without losing sight of where military outcomes are ultimately decided—on the ground.

Modern warfare begins with sensing. Satellites, UAVs, ground radars, electronic surveillance, cyber indicators, and human intelligence feeds now generate volumes of data that no single service can process in isolation.

At its core, theatre commands are sold as an operational correction. Not a philosophical shift, not an institutional rebranding, but a practical answer to an old military problem: too many sensors, too many shooters, too many decision-makers, and not enough time to connect them when it matters. Modern conflict does not wait for files to move or chains of command to align. It rewards those who can see first, decide faster, and act with coherence across domains that no longer respect service boundaries. Yet, it is worth stating at the outset that for India, this operational correction is ultimately anchored on land warfare. India’s primary security challenges remain territorial, persistent, and manpower-intensive. Theatre commands, whatever their final structure, will succeed or fail based on how effectively they support the land battle, where wars are physically decided, populations are controlled, and political outcomes are enforced. This is where the operational argument for theaterisation is most often made. Not at the level of flags and headquarters, but in how intelligence flows, how firepower is coordinated, how forces move, and how quickly decisions travel from detection to effect. Modern warfare begins with sensing. Satellites, UAVs, ground radars, electronic surveillance, cyber indicators, and human intelligence feeds now generate volumes of data that no single service can process in isolation. India already operates a wide array of such assets across its services; each developed for specific operational needs. What theaterisation proposes is not more sensors, but a single operational picture that allows commanders to see the battlespace as a whole rather than through service-specific windows. For land forces in particular, this integration is decisive. Ground formations operate under conditions of friction, terrain constraint, and constant contact. Fragmented ISR directly translates into tactical surprise, delayed reactions, and higher attrition. Integrated ISR under a theatre commander is therefore less about technological sophistication and more about ensuring that the soldier at the edge is never operating blind because information is trapped in another service’s pipeline. In theory, integrated ISR under a theatre commander reduces friction. Instead of parallel intelligence chains feeding different headquarters, information converges into a shared operational understanding. The intent is straightforward: eliminate duplication, reduce blind spots, and prevent the same data from being interpreted differently by different commands. In high-tempo environments along the northern borders, where land forces carry the weight of deterrence and escalation control, this convergence becomes operationally non-negotiable. Firepower, too, has outgrown neat service silos. Precision strikes today rarely belong to one domain. A target detected by an aerial platform may be engaged by ground-based missiles, long-range artillery, attack helicopters, or airpower. Theaterisation aims to place all shooters under a unified operational authority so that the question is no longer which service owns the asset, but which effect is required in support of the land campaign, and how quickly it can be delivered. This distinction matters. In Indian conditions, fires are rarely ends in themselves. They are enablers of manoeuvre, protection, and dominance for forces operating on the ground. Theatre commands, if structured correctly, allow air and maritime firepower to be employed not as parallel efforts, but as extensions of the land commander’s operational design. Joint fire coordination is therefore central to the theatre concept. By collapsing service-specific clearance chains, theatre commands seek to shorten the time between detection and engagement. This matters in an era where targets are mobile, fleeting, and often protected by layered defences. For ground forces engaged in contact or poised for manoeuvre, speed of fires is not just tactical advantage; it is the difference between seizing initiative and absorbing losses. Mobility is the third pillar often cited. India’s geography presents a demanding operational canvas, from high-altitude land borders to vast maritime spaces. Theatre commands are designed to synchronise airlift, sealift, ground movement, and logistics so that forces can be repositioned without the delays that come from negotiating inter-service boundaries. Here again, the land battle is the fulcrum. Airlift and sealift derive meaning only when they translate into combat power where troops are deployed, sustained, and reinforced. Theatre-level mobility seeks to ensure that land commanders can shift forces, concentrate strength, and sustain operations without being constrained by service ownership of lift and logistics. Underlying all of this is the concept of the decision loop. Modern military thinking places enormous emphasis on shortening the Observe–Orient–Decide–Act cycle. The side that processes information faster and acts decisively can impose tempo on the adversary. Theatre commands are structured to compress these loops by placing authority, information, and resources within the same operational framework. For India, decision-speed at the theatre level is especially critical for land-centric contingencies, where escalation windows are narrow and political signalling is tightly coupled to ground posture. A dispersed or ambiguous command structure risks hesitation at precisely the moment when clarity is required. In theory, this architecture promises coherence. One commander with one operational picture, supported by integrated staffs, directing assets across domains. The intent is to reduce latency, eliminate redundancy, and align effort across land, air, sea, cyber, and space. Yet, as with all structural reforms, the operational elegance on paper must contend with organisational reality. Integration at this scale demands more than reassigning assets. It requires interoperability of systems, harmonisation of procedures, and a shared professional language across services that have evolved distinct cultures, doctrines, and operational instincts over decades. ISR integration, for instance, is not merely about data sharing. It is about trust in interpretation, clarity in prioritisation, and agreement on thresholds for action. When multiple services rely on the same intelligence feed, the question of who validates, who authorises, and who acts becomes central. Theatre commands promise resolution through unified authority, but authority itself must be exercised in a manner that recognises the primacy of ground realities and the consequences borne by troops in contact. Similarly, joint fires demand more than technical connectivity. They require shared doctrines, common training standards, and mutual confidence in each other’s systems and crews. Precision does not forgive misalignment, and integrated firepower magnifies both effectiveness and error—especially when fires are supporting manoeuvre at close quarters. Mobility and logistics, often described as the backbone of theatre operations, bring their own complexities. Unified logistics promise efficiency, but also require deep reengineering of supply chains, maintenance practices, and inventory management. In sustained land campaigns, logistics is not a background function; it is an operational determinant. Decision loops, too, carry their own tensions. Speed is valuable, but clarity is essential. Compressing decision cycles without ensuring robustness of judgement can introduce risk. Theatre commands aim to balance speed with deliberation, but this balance is not static. It must be learned, practiced, and constantly adjusted through exercises and real-world contingencies. None of this negates the operational logic of theaterisation. Rather, it underscores the scale of what is being attempted. Integrating ISR, fires, mobility, and command into a single operational machine is not a cosmetic change. It is a redefinition of how military power is organised and applied. The promise is clear: fewer seams, faster responses, and a force that operates as one. The test, however, lies in whether this integration consistently strengthens the land battle—the arena where India’s wars will be fought, controlled, and concluded. Operational effectiveness is not produced by structures alone. It emerges from how those structures are inhabited, understood, and exercised under pressure. In the end, theaterisation at the operational level is a wager on coherence: a belief that unity of command can translate into unity of action across increasingly complex battlefields, without losing sight of where military outcomes are ultimately decided—on the ground.

Modern warfare begins with sensing. Satellites, UAVs, ground radars, electronic surveillance, cyber indicators, and human intelligence feeds now generate volumes of data that no single service can process in isolation.

Operational dimensions of theater commands: ISR, fires, mobility, and decision loops

A moment of embarrassment unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium when Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arrived while football icon Lionel Messi made his visit amid his India tour. As soon as the CM entered, sections of the crowd began chanting “AQI, AQI, AQI”, highlighting public anger over the capital’s severe air pollution. The captured moments quickly went viral on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">International Shame अंतरराष्ट्रीय बेइज़्ज़ती 🙈 रेखा गुप्ता को देखते ही स्टेडियम में प्रदूषण से परेशान दिल्ली के लोग चीखे- AQI AQI AQI Crowd for Messi shouts “AQI..AQI..” as soon as Delhi CM Rekha Gupta arrives <a href="https://t.co/oUyc0yeTAJ">pic.twitter.com/oUyc0yeTAJ</a>&mdash; Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saurabh_MLAgk/status/2000554575145865718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The chants were originally meant for cheering the footballer Messi; however, the chants quickly turned against the Delhi CM and the worsening air quality of the national capital. The episode underscored growing public frustration over pollution in the national capital.&nbsp;The clip, which quickly went viral on social media, was circulated by opposition parties in Delhi. Both the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress amplified the video as pollution levels in the capital continued to worsen. “International Shame, Crowd for Messi shouts ‘AQI, AQI’ as soon as Delhi CM Rekha Gupta arrives,” AAP’s Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj said in a post on X.&nbsp;The AAP accused the BJP-led governments in Delhi and at the Centre of showing “indifference” towards the deteriorating AQI situation.&nbsp;Responding to criticism, earlier Delhi CM Gupta said her government was taking all possible steps to reduce the pollution level of Delhi. However, she blamed previous administrations for their inactive role in pollution control.&nbsp;“I want to ask those protesting at India Gate: The problem of air pollution is not new and has been around for years. Where were your protests before? What did the previous government do? “There is a backlog of 27 years. The government needs at least 27 months to fix things. After 27 months, you can ask me about the steps we took to address air pollution," Gupta had said.<h3>Delhi AQI recorded 'severe'</h3>The Central Pollution Control Board data indicated that 27 air-quality monitoring stations in Delhi recorded 'severe' pollution on Monday, with Wazirpur registering the highest at 475. Thick smog reduced visibility and disrupted daily activities, prompting several residents to wear masks while commuting.&nbsp;The air quality of Delhi remained in the 'severe' category for the third consecutive day, with haze blanketing the skyline. Meanwhile, the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour concluded successfully at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, after a chaotic event in Kolkata on Saturday.

The chants were originally meant for cheering the footballer Messi; however, the chants quickly turned against the Delhi CM and the worsening air quality of the national capital. The episode underscored growing public frustration over pollution in the national capital.

A moment of embarrassment unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium when Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta arrived while football icon Lionel Messi made his visit amid his India tour. As soon as the CM entered, sections of the crowd began chanting “AQI, AQI, AQI”, highlighting public anger over the capital’s severe air pollution. The captured moments quickly went viral on social media.

The chants were originally meant for cheering the footballer Messi; however, the chants quickly turned against the Delhi CM and the worsening air quality of the national capital. The episode underscored growing public frustration over pollution in the national capital.

'International Shame': ‘AQI, AQI’ chants greet Delhi CM after she arrives for Messi event amid rise in air pollution

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news

Uttar Pradesh shocker: Man kills wife, daughters over not wearing Burqa; buries bodies at home, say police

‘Will not remain silent, teach lesson’: Himanta warns Bangladesh over remarks

Multiple schools in Ahmedabad targeted with bomb threat emails

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers at Anjuna police station after medical exam

Indian Army receives final batch of Apache AH-64E helicopters: What does it mean

Delhi govt imposes 50% WFH rule to reduce emissions amid pollution catastrophe

Indian-origin man kills father with sledgehammer in US

VIDEO: Jharkhand man trampled to death while taking selfies with wild elephants

Delhi shuts doors on older cars: Is your vehicle banned? BS-VI rule EXPLAINED

‘Proud moment for India’: PM Narendra Modi gets the highest honour of Ethiopia

Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata takes charge of sports after minister’s resigns

Political views online may affect US visas under expanded Trump-era screening

'Congress hates...': BJP hits back at ex-Maharashtra CM over Op Sindoor remarks

Why do heart attacks spike in winter? Doctors explain the hidden cold-weather triggers

Delhi air crisis: Minister Sirsa apologises as CM Rekha Gupta faces AQI chants

Jordan Crown Prince personally chauffeurs PM Modi to national museum

Congress to hold nationwide protest against renaming MGNREGA as VB-G RAMG Bill

No infiltration along India-China border since 2014: Government

CIK expose terror network operating undercover of social activism in Kashmir

Bondi Beach attack: India police extends full support to Australian authorities

India-Bangladesh mark 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas. Know all about it

Delhiites denied tandoori chicken? Netizens react after Rekha Gupta bans tandoor

Court dismisses National Herald case against Sonia, Rahul Gandhi

Goa nightclub fire: First pic of Luthra brothers after landing in Delhi

Operational dimensions of theater commands: ISR, fires, mobility, & more

‘AQI, AQI’ chants greet Delhi CM after she arrives for Messi event at stadium