A cabin crew member of Air India was arrested for smuggling 1.7 kg of gold at Chennai Airport. Officials said the gold, handed over by a passenger, was found hidden in the crew member's undergarments. Both the passenger and the crew were intercepted on arrival from Dubai and have been taken into judicial custody. In a separate incident, a Kenyan woman was arrested on December 7 for smuggling 90 cocaine capsules worth ₹14.2 crore. She had arrived from Addis Ababa and was caught after medical assistance helped recover the drugs. Customs investigations are ongoing.

The BJP government will table the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in the Lok Sabha on December 17. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal will present the bill, officially called The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024. The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs to ensure attendance. The bill aims to hold Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together, with local body polls planned later. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee, have criticised the move, calling it "anti-democratic." The bill will likely be sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament for further discussion, with its members announced by the Speaker tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Hussain, 73, passed away in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. PM Modi hailed Hussain as a true genius who brought the tabla to global recognition, blending Indian classical music with world traditions. He praised his iconic performances and contributions to cultural unity, saying they will inspire future generations. Hussain, known for revolutionising Indian classical music, was also a Grammy winner. Modi extended heartfelt condolences to Hussain’s family, friends, and the global music community.

Legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco at 73 due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Tributes poured in from Bollywood icons, including Amitabh Bachchan, who called him an "unmatched maestro," and Akshay Kumar, who termed him a "treasure for India's musical heritage." Kangana Ranaut shared an old video, thanking him for enriching India’s legacy. Kamal Haasan expressed gratitude for Zakir's art, while Dia Mirza remembered him as a generous soul. Zakir, son of tabla legend Alla Rakha, leaves behind a six-decade legacy, his wife Antonia Minnecola, and daughters Anisa and Isabella.

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 in a San Francisco hospital due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The eldest son of tabla virtuoso Ustad Allah Rakha, Hussain brought the tabla to global prominence through his rhythmic brilliance and innovative collaborations. Over his six-decade career, he earned five Grammy Awards and all three Padma Awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Renowned for blending Indian classical music with jazz, his groundbreaking 1973 project with John McLaughlin and L Shankar redefined fusion music. Tributes poured in from leaders and celebrities, lauding his unparalleled legacy that continues to inspire worldwide.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, 73, is currently in the ICU of a San Francisco hospital due to heart-related issues. Despite rumors of his death, his publicist confirmed to PTI that Hussain is still alive and being treated. His sister, Khursheed, stated that he is "very critical" but urged fans not to believe misinformation about his passing. Hussain, a Grammy-winning musician, has been hospitalized for over two weeks. His family, including his brother-in-law Ayub Aulia, has called for prayers from his global fanbase. Hussain is one of India's most celebrated musicians, having received multiple prestigious awards.

Actor Allu Arjun, addressing criticism over not visiting the hospitalized victim of the Pushpa 2 premiere stampede, stated, “I remain deeply concerned and pray for his recovery. I’ve been advised not to visit him or his family at this time due to ongoing legal proceedings.” The incident claimed the life of Revathi (35) and left her son critically injured. Arjun, released from jail on Saturday, pledged to support the victim’s family. Critics noted his post-release visits to family and friends, but the actor assured he would meet the family "at the earliest opportunity."

A suspected gas leak at Utkarsh Coaching Classes in Jaipur's Mahesh Nagar area left 10 students hospitalised, with 2 in ICU. The incident occurred around 6:45 PM during a session when a foul odour from a suspected drain leak caused 20 students to experience nausea, headaches, and breathing difficulties. Smoke from a terrace kitchen worsened the situation. Seven students were taken to a private hospital, where their condition is now stable. Student leaders, including former Rajasthan University Student Union President Nirmal Choudhary, have demanded action against the institute. Police are investigating the cause of the leak.

Actor Allu Arjun said he is deeply concerned about 10-year-old Sri Tej, injured in a stampede during the Pushpa 2 premiere on December 4. The incident at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad also claimed the life of a woman, Revathi. Arjun, unable to visit the boy due to legal advice, has pledged to cover his medical expenses. The actor was arrested on December 13 in connection with the case but was later granted bail. Three others, including the theatre owner, were also arrested. Arjun expressed hope for the boy’s recovery and vowed to meet him and his family soon.

Farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border announced a “rail roko” protest on December 18, 2024. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, urged people from Punjab’s 13,000 villages to block railway crossings from 12 to 3 PM. The protest follows failed attempts by farmers to march into Delhi on foot, which were stopped by police using tear gas, injuring 17 people. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has been invited to join the protest. Farmers aim to unite and demand justice for their cause. This marks another major protest after the historic year-long agitation against the now-repealed farm laws in 2020.