Zakir Hussain, the world-famous tabla maestro, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the age of 73. He had been in a San Francisco hospital for two weeks due to heart problems. Zakir was the son of Ustad Allah Rakha and a global icon in Indian classical music. He won five Grammy Awards and many national honors, including the Padma Vibhushan. His 1973 collaboration with John McLaughlin and L Shankar blended Indian music with jazz, creating history. Hussain’s death is a huge loss to the world of music. Fans worldwide mourn the passing of this legend.

Renowned tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has been hospitalised in San Francisco, USA, due to serious health issues. His brother-in-law, Ayub Aulia, confirmed the news during a phone conversation with journalist Pervaiz Alam, who shared the update online. Hussain, son of legendary tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha, is a recipient of India's highest civilian awards, including Padma Vibhushan. Known globally for his musical brilliance, he was also the first Indian musician to perform at the White House under President Obama. The family has requested fans worldwide to pray for his speedy recovery as he continues receiving treatment.

Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2: The Rule saw a significant box office jump after his arrest, earning ₹1196 crore worldwide in just 10 days. The film registered a 70% increase globally and a 74% rise in domestic collections on its second Saturday, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan (₹1143 crore). With ₹826 crore net in India and ₹210 crore gross overseas, the film is set to overtake Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 (₹1208 crore) and is aiming for the ₹1309 crore mark set by RRR. The sequel to Pushpa: The Rise also saw an overseas resurgence, earning nearly $2 million on day 10.

In a shocking crime in Kolkata, Atiur Rahman Laskar, a construction worker, allegedly murdered his sister-in-law after she rejected his romantic advances. The woman, a domestic help in the Regent Park area, had recently been avoiding Laskar and blocked his phone number. On December 12, he forced her to accompany him to an under-construction building, where he strangled her, beheaded her, and disposed of her body in parts at separate locations. The severed head was found at a garbage dump in Tollygunge. Police arrested Laskar within 24 hours, with the accused confessing to the crime.

Bengaluru-based techie Atul Subhash’s estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, along with her mother, Nisha Singhania, and brother, Anurag Singhania, were arrested in connection with his suicide. Subhash, 34, died by suicide on December 9, leaving a note accusing his wife and her family of harassment. Nikita was arrested in Gurugram, while her family members were detained in Prayagraj. Subhash alleged years of emotional distress, false cases, and financial pressure from his wife’s family. The case has sparked nationwide outrage, and Nikita had previously filed a dowry harassment complaint against Subhash in 2022.

Allu Arjun’s celebratory return home after his release from jail has sparked outrage on social media, with many users criticizing the actor for celebrating while a boy injured in the Pushpa 2 stampede remains in critical condition. The actor had been arrested in connection with the death of a fan at the film’s premiere. Despite being released on bail, Arjun’s emotional reunion and the subsequent publicity, including celebrity visits and a press conference, were deemed insensitive by many. Social media users lamented that Arjun failed to visit the deceased’s family despite promises of support.

Sambhal officials reopened the centuries-old Bhasma Shankar temple, locked since the 1978 communal riots, during an anti-encroachment drive near Shahi Jama Masjid. The temple, discovered during a power theft inspection led by SDM Vandana Misra, contained a Hanuman idol and Shivling. Locals claimed the temple, tied to the Rastogi community, was abandoned after Hindu families migrated following the riots. Mukesh Rastogi, a resident, believes the temple is over 500 years old. The discovery follows weeks of unrest in the area over mosque-related surveys. Authorities now plan to restore the temple and its nearby well for public use.

In a major development in Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash's suicide case, his estranged wife Nikita Singhania, her mother Nisha, and brother Anurag were arrested on December 14 for abetment to suicide. Atul had died by suicide earlier this month, leaving a detailed note and a video accusing his wife and in-laws of harassment, which allegedly led to his mental agony. Nikita was detained in Gurugram, while her mother and brother were apprehended in Allahabad. The tragic case has sparked widespread discussions on mental health and the consequences of familial disputes. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details.

Farmers suspended their march to Delhi after 17 of them were injured in police action at the Shambhu border on December 14. Police used tear gas to stop the farmers from marching toward the national capital. In response, farmer leaders announced a tractor march on December 16 and a 'Rail Roko' protest on December 18 in Punjab. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized the need for large-scale participation in the protests, demanding justice for farmers. Meanwhile, internet services were suspended in parts of Ambala, Haryana, until December 17, in anticipation of further unrest.

Protests have erupted in Kolkata following a high court decision to grant bail to Sandip Ghosh, ex-principal of RG Kar Medical College, and Abhijit Mondal, former officer-in-charge of Tala police station. They were arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital. The CBI failed to file charges within the mandated 90 days, leading to the bail. The victim's family, doctors' associations, and political groups have organized rallies demanding justice. "We will continue to fight for justice," the victim's father said during a protest rally.