Stay updated with the biggest headlines for Tuesday, 30 December – politics, crime, sports, and more – all summarized for quick reading. Get instant access to breaking news, major developments, and trending stories in just one click. Perfect for busy readers who want news on the go.
Top news of the day
Delhi is set to welcome the New Year under dense fog, biting cold, and possible rainfall. Weather alerts, poor air quality, and travel advisories have been issued as winter conditions intensify across the capital.
Amid ongoing diplomatic sensitivities, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will represent the Indian government at the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Dr Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to Dhaka on 31 December 2025 to attend the final rites, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
“The External Affairs Minister will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia,” the ministry said in a brief release.
In a major development from Uttar Pradesh, cases have been registered against former MP and influential leader Dhananjay Singh in Lucknow, involving charges under the SC/ST Act and extortion (ransom) allegations.
The FIR has been registered in Jaunpur against Vinay Singh, husband of Maharajganj block head Mandavi Singh, his government gunner, and 10 unknown individuals. The FIR includes serious sections such as land grabbing, intimidation, and SC/ST Act violations, and also names Dhananjay Singh. The FIR was filed by Sushant Golf City Police, which has started the investigation.
The Government of India has announced the appointment of Abhay Kumar, a senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2003 batch, as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Abhay Kumar, an experienced diplomat and author, has served India in various capacities around the world and brings extensive bilateral and multilateral experience to his new assignment.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved a large-scale reshuffle and upgradation of senior civil servants across several ministries and departments.
1. Suchindra Misra appointed as Special Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in the rank of Secretary to the Government of India by temporarily upgrading a vacant Additional Secretary post.
2. Dilip Kumar appointed as Director General (Training), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, in the rank of Additional Secretary by upgrading a Joint Secretary post.
In a significant development, President Droupadi Murmu has returned the Tamil Nadu University of Madras Amendment Bill, which sought to empower the state government to appoint the vice chancellor of the 168-year-old institution. The decision marks a setback for the Stalin-led government’s plan to assume greater control over the historic university.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed the amendment bill in April 2022, with the objective of transferring the authority to appoint and remove the vice chancellor from the governor who serves as the ex-officio chancellor of the university to the state government.
The proposed amendment involved replacing the term “chancellor” with “government” in the University of Madras Act, effectively giving the state the power to make key administrative decisions.
Telangana is set to experience a cold wave on the final day of 2025, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a warning for 10 districts on Wednesday, December 31. Residents are advised to take precautions as temperatures continue to drop across the state.
The IMD bulletin stated that cold wave conditions are “very likely to prevail at isolated pockets” in Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Jangaon, Siddipet, Sangareddy, Medak, and Kamareddy districts.
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has passed away. She had been battling several illnesses. It is noteworthy that her son, Tarique Rahman, returned to Bangladesh just days before her death after 19 years of exile.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s prediction that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Shah made the assertion during a press conference in Kolkata, where he also criticized TMC over alleged corruption and governance failures.
Reacting to Shah’s claim, the TMC thanked the home minister sarcastically, saying they “couldn’t have asked for a better omen.” The party highlighted Amit Shah’s track record of past predictions for BJP, implying that history was not on his side.
The 10-minute delivery service offered by app-based companies like Blinkit and Zepto has once again landed in controversy. Gig worker unions have declared a nationwide strike on December 31, calling the model unsafe. They argue that the pressure for fast deliveries compromises the safety and rights of delivery partners. This strike on New Year's Eve could significantly impact delivery services.
Gig worker unions allege that the 10-minute delivery model puts dangerous pressure on delivery agents. Road safety is often disregarded in the rush to meet delivery deadlines. The unions claim that regardless of whether the delay is caused by the restaurant or the customer, the delivery agent always bears the brunt of the consequences. Therefore, they are demanding a complete ban on this model.
Recently, social media was flooded with praise for Blinkit delivery personnel, whom users hailed as "silent superheroes." This viral story exemplifies how quick-commerce apps have helped make people's special occasions a success by ensuring timely deliveries.
One user shared, "This happened at my brother-in-law's wedding in Gujarat, and Blinkit delivered the vermilion on time." This incident demonstrated how timely deliveries helped ensure the smooth running of traditional ceremonies.
In Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh, the traditional art of Tarkashi (wire inlay) is no longer limited to its historical or agricultural identity; it has become a significant source of employment and income for the local people. Under the One District One Product scheme, Mainpuri's Tarkashi art has carved a unique niche for itself both domestically and internationally.
This art has been passed down through generations in Nemchand Shakya's family. Originating during the reign of Raja Tej Singh, this art involves creating intricate designs on wood using fine wires. Over time, the art has evolved, and now various products such as tea coasters, plates, and decorative items are being made.
After launching a series of impressive models in 2025, Tata Motors is now preparing to make a big splash in the Indian automobile market in 2026. According to reports, Tata could launch not just one or two, but a total of six new SUV models next year. These will include vehicles in both electric and petrol segments. If you are a fan of Tata's robust and reliable SUVs, 2026 could be a special year for you.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed serious concern over reports alleging a drone attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid the continuing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Emphasising the need for restraint, PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective ways to bring an end to the war and restore peace.
In a post shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said he was deeply troubled by reports of the Russian President’s residence being targeted. He urged all parties involved to stay committed to diplomatic initiatives and avoid actions that could derail ongoing peace efforts. According to PM Modi, sustained dialogue offers the best chance to reduce tensions and achieve long-term stability in the region.
There's great news for South Indian cinema fans! The rumored couple, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, who have been the subject of much discussion, are reportedly getting married in 2026. Fans are incredibly excited about their wedding, and numerous posts and trends are circulating on social media.
According to sources, Vijay and Rashmika's wedding will take place on February 26, 2026, at a heritage palace in Udaipur. The couple has finalized one of the city's prominent heritage properties for their pre-wedding functions and the wedding ceremony. The wedding will have a royal and very private atmosphere.
At least seven people were killed, and 11 others injured after the bus in Almora’s Bhikiyasen on Tuesday morning.
A police official said, the bus belonging to Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), was on its way to Ramnagar when it lost control near Bhikiyasen.
The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the relief granted to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar by the Delhi High Court in the Unnao rape case. The High Court had stayed Sengar's sentence, but the Supreme Court, after hearing a challenge to this decision, has now stayed the High Court's order. The court issued a notice to Kuldeep Sengar and sought a reply within four weeks.
Following the Supreme Court's order, Kuldeep Sengar's two daughters, Aishwarya and Ishita, have become active in supporting their father. Aishwarya and Ishita are presenting arguments through social media and the media to prove their father's innocence.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and businessman Robert Vadra's son, Raihan Vadra, has gotten engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Aviva Beg. According to sources, Rehan recently proposed to Aviva and she accepted. Both families have given their blessings to the relationship.
US President Donald Trump will be awarded Israel's highest civilian honor, the Israel Peace Prize. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the announcement on Monday after meeting with Trump in Florida. Netanyahu said the award is being given to Trump for his contributions to Israel and the Jewish community.
Netanyahu told a press conference that this award has not been given to a non-Israeli citizen in the last 80 years. He also said that this is the first time the award will be given in the peace category. US President Trump also expressed his happiness at the announcement and called it an unexpected honor.
The Mahayuti alliance has finalised its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, putting an end to weeks of negotiations between its key constituents.
As per the agreement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 137 seats, while the Shiv Sena will field candidates in 90 seats.
In the Indian bullion market, gold prices witnessed a slight decline in the final days of 2025. After consistently reaching new highs in the past few weeks, gold prices fell today from their record levels. According to the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA), the price of 24-karat gold fell from ₹1,42,300 per 10 grams to ₹1,41,800. This decline is primarily due to a 1.54% drop in spot gold prices in the international market.
A major and tragic road accident occurred in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, on Monday night. A BEST bus crushed several people while reversing in the Bhandup West station road area. Four people died on the spot in the accident, while 10 others were seriously injured. The incident caused chaos and panic in the area.
According to information received from the police, the accident was reported at around 10:05 PM. It is reported that the BEST bus driver was reversing the bus when he lost control, and the bus collided with passengers and pedestrians. The station road area was crowded at the time of the accident, as a large number of people were returning home from work.
A significant chapter in Bangladeshi politics has come to a close. Former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda Zia, has passed away at the age of 80. The BNP confirmed her death in a post on the social media platform X. According to the party, she had been battling several serious health problems for a long time.
A statement issued by the party said that Khaleda Zia breathed her last at around 6 AM at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She had been hospitalized for the past 36 days. Her condition deteriorated on November 23 after developing infections in her heart and lungs. She was also suffering from pneumonia, which kept her condition critical.
According to the AI-based horoscope, the year 2026 will be full of courage, confidence, and achievements for Aries. This year can open new chapters in your life and strengthen your decision-making abilities.
For working professionals, there are strong chances of promotion and new responsibilities. Those in government jobs, police, army, and administration are especially likely to benefit. Those in business may see rapid growth after June.
The cold wave continues to intensify across North India. Dense fog has reduced visibility to near zero in many areas, severely impacting daily life as well as air and rail traffic. The Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures may drop further in the coming days.
Around 600 flights across the country were affected due to dense fog. At Delhi airport alone, 128 flights were canceled, including 64 arrivals and 64 departures. In addition, eight flights were diverted to other cities. Approximately 470 flights were delayed, with an average delay of 20 to 25 minutes.
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