Homage to Martyrs

The nation today paid homage to victims and security personnel of the December 13, 2001 Parliament terrorist attack. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several Union ministers paid tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the temple of democracy.

Messi Event Cut Short

Lionel Messi’s appearance at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan was cut short today following crowd unrest. Security intervened after bottles were allegedly thrown and hoardings were damaged. Messi, in the city for the GOAT India Tour 2025, was escorted out under tight security within minutes.

Mamata Says Sorry

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a public apology to Lionel Messi and his fans over the chaos at Salt Lake Stadium. She also constituted an enquiry committee under the chairmanship of retired Justice Ashim Kumar Ray to conduct enquiry into the chaos and mismanagement.

Srimandir's Early Opening

The Jagannath Temple in Puri will open at 2 am daily from December 16 to January 13 in view of the Pahili Bhoga ritual schedule. Ratri Pahuda will be observed by 11 pm. The ritual calendar also confirms Debabhishek Purnima Suna Besha on January 3.

Purvodaya Perspectives

The two-day International Conference “Purvodaya Perspectives – 2025” began in Bhubaneswar, jointly organized by Energy Forum, Ministry of External Affairs, and CII. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Odisha has emerged as a gateway for Purvodaya development, linking eastern states with Southeast Asia.

Meal Turns Menace

Over 80 students fell ill after consuming food at a government upper primary school in Bausnsput village of Koraput district. A lizard was reportedly found in the meal. A medical team reached the school promptly and provided treatment to all affected students.

Humanitarian Help to Peru

India has handed over 2.5 lakh saline bottles, weighing 32 tonnes, to Peru to aid patients suffering from dehydration. The humanitarian assistance was formally delivered by Indian Ambassador Vishvas Sapkal to Peru’s Ministry of Health, reaffirming India’s development partnership.

Move Against Tariffs

Three US lawmakers introduced a resolution seeking to terminate President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration that imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports. The move aims to rescind additional duties imposed in August 2025 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Nobel Laureate Arrested

Iran has arrested Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. The Norwegian Nobel Committee condemned the move as brutal, urging authorities to clarify her whereabouts, guarantee her safety, and release her immediately, stressing respect for human rights and freedom.

IndiGo Cancellations

Nine flights were cancelled from Bhubaneswar, disrupting travel to cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad. Airport authorities confirmed that all cancelled services belonged to IndiGo Airlines, leading to inconvenience for passengers during peak travel hours.