Stay updated with the biggest headlines for Wednesday, 17 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
Maruti Suzuki has begun preparing to strengthen its product portfolio for the coming years. The company is set to launch several new models next year, with the E Vitara electric SUV being a key highlight. In addition, the Fronx with a flex-fuel engine, a new Brezza facelift, and a fully electric family car are also on the company's launch list.
This electric family car, based on a new architecture, is internally codenamed Maruti YMC. It will be Maruti's second electric car in India and will directly compete with the Kia Carens Clavis EV in the segment. This new electric MPV will be positioned above the Ertiga and XL6 in the company's lineup, offering a premium class range.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken major action in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh, arresting two postal department officials in a bribery case. The arrested accused have been identified as Prateek Bhargava, Sub-Divisional Inspector (SDI), Sub-Division Post Office, Konch, and Amir Hasan, Branch Post Master, Chandurra Post Office, Jalaun. The action was taken on 17 December.
The CBI registered a case in this matter on 15 December, based on a complaint. The complainant alleged that the two accused officials had demanded an illegal bribe of Rs 15,000 from him in exchange for relieving him from his transfer order, processing his October salary, and re-verifying his caste certificate.
A heart-warming video showing a groom’s determination to reach his wedding on time has taken social media by storm. The groom, who was supposed to travel to the wedding venue on an IndiGo flight, was left stranded after a sudden last-minute flight cancellation.
As the auspicious wedding time drew closer, uncertainty loomed large. The bride, seen in the viral video, appeared distressed and emotional, fearing that the wedding might be delayed or even postponed. Family members also looked anxious as there seemed to be no immediate way for the groom to arrive on time.
The Delhi government has taken a major decision in view of the increasing pollution problem. It has been made mandatory for 50% of employees in all government and private institutions in the capital to work from home starting tomorrow. This step has been taken primarily to protect the safety and health of the people. Establishments that do not comply with the rules will be fined.
The government has also announced relief for construction workers affected by the work stoppage under Grade 3 restrictions. These registered workers will receive a compensation of Rs. 10,000 directly into their bank accounts. This will provide financial relief to the workers and alleviate their hardships.
A Delhi court refused to take action on the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case. The court stated that it was not legally possible to accept the charge sheet in this case and that issuing summons to the Gandhi family would be inappropriate.
After the court's decision, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge held a press conference and launched a scathing attack on the BJP. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should resign. Kharge alleged that the National Herald case was aimed at harassing the Gandhi family and was driven by political vendetta.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction was held on Tuesday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Once again, several big-name players attracted the attention of the teams, while some players went unsold. Players like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Yash Dhull, Vijay Shankar, Deepak Hooda, and Alzarri Joseph were not bought.
A total of 369 players participated in this auction, including 253 Indian and 116 foreign players. The ten teams had a total of 77 slots to fill, and all of them finalized their 25-member squads. A total of ₹215.45 crore was spent in this auction.
A major development has emerged in the case of the devastating fire that broke out on December 6th at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Arpora, Goa, which tragically claimed the lives of 25 people. The nightclub owners, Gaurav Luthra and Saurabh Luthra, have been arrested by the Goa Police. They were deported from Thailand and brought back to India, where they were taken into custody at Delhi Airport.
After obtaining a transit remand from the court, the Goa Police took the two accused to Goa. There, they will be produced before a local court and taken into police custody for questioning. Goa Director General of Police Alok Kumar confirmed the arrests, stating that a thorough investigation is underway and strict action will be taken against all those responsible.
Smartphone brand OnePlus is launching its new handset, the OnePlus 15R, in India today. The company recently unveiled its flagship OnePlus 15, and now a more affordable yet powerful smartphone from the same series is being launched. The company has already officially confirmed several of its features, while the price will be revealed at the launch event today.
According to media reports and leaks, the OnePlus 15R is expected to be launched in India in two storage variants. The starting price is expected to be around ₹47,000. Bank offers and launch discounts may also be available, providing additional benefits to customers. The launch event in India will be held today at 7 PM.
Gold prices in India fell on the morning of December 17th. Weak global cues and profit-taking by investors led to a decline in gold prices in the domestic bullion market. In Delhi, the price of 24-karat gold fell to ₹1,34,000 per 10 grams, while 22-karat gold was trading at ₹1,22,840 per 10 grams.
In other major metropolitan cities, the price of 24-karat gold was recorded at ₹1,33,850 per 10 grams in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. In these cities, 22-karat gold was selling at around ₹1,22,690 per 10 grams. Gold prices remained at similar levels in Pune and Bengaluru, with 24-karat gold at ₹1,33,850 and 22-karat gold at ₹1,22,690
India is once again making its presence felt on the world's most prestigious cinematic stage, the Academy Awards. The Indian film "Homebound," nominated in the 'Best International Feature Film' category at the 98th Academy Awards, has made it to the top 15 shortlist. This achievement is a moment of pride for Indian cinema and showcases the country's creative strength on a global platform.
This year, the Best International Feature Film category included films from 86 countries worldwide. After tough competition, only 15 films were shortlisted, including India's "Homebound." The Academy announced the shortlists in a total of 12 categories, including Documentary, Original Music Score, and the newly introduced Casting category.
The intensity of winter is increasing in most parts of the country. Cold waves in North and Northwest India, snowfall in hilly areas, and dense fog in the plains are affecting people's daily lives. According to the Meteorological Department, the cold weather persists due to a Western Disturbance and the activity of the subtropical westerly jet stream.
The Meteorological Department stated that a Western Disturbance is currently active at high altitudes over North Pakistan and surrounding areas. Another trough is also present at the middle levels. The speed of the subtropical westerly jet stream has reached up to 120 knots, which strengthens the Western Disturbance during winter. This is why temperatures in North India remain below normal.
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