Daily News Dose

At least two people died after rocks collapsed at an unauthorised stone quarry in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has carried out direct military strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump confirmed the claim in a post on Truth Social on Saturday. So what unfolded overnight, and what led to one of the most dramatic US interventions in Latin America in decades? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Commission has flagged a worrying trend in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Officials say the collection of enumeration forms in urban areas is much lower than in rural regions across nine states and three Union Territories. So, why are city voters falling behind in returning their forms? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India will impose a new excise duty on cigarettes from February 1. The Finance Ministry has notified a duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, over and above the existing GST. With this move, cigarette prices are set to rise after years of stable taxation. So, what exactly is changing, and what should smokers expect now? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy are rolling out higher incentives for delivery partners ahead of New Year’s Eve, a move they say is standard during festive periods. At the same time, gig worker unions have called for a nationwide strike on December 31st, demanding better pay and working conditions. With lakhs of workers threatening to log off on one of the busiest nights of the year, how serious is the disruption likely to be? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moscow has accused Ukraine of attempting to strike a presidential residence in northern Russia. Kyiv has strongly denied the charge, calling it a fabricated excuse to prolong the war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court stayed a recent Delhi High Court order that suspended the life sentence of expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. The decision comes as a relief to the survivor, whose long fight for justice has come at an immense personal cost. The Unnao case is not just about one crime. It is about power, impunity, and a justice system that the perpetrators allegedly tried to influence. So, what happened in Unnao, and why does the Supreme Court's judgement hold significance? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 140th foundation day of the Congress, Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said the Congress is not just a political party, but the voice of India's soul that has stood with every weak, deprived and hardworking person. However, an online comment from another senior leader has exposed fissures within the party and the potential discontent among the senior leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Consulate General of India in Toronto has launched a One Stop Centre for Women to support Indian women facing crises, such as domestic violence, abuse, family conflict, and legal challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change in the legal definition of the Aravalli hills has triggered fresh concern over the future of one of India’s oldest mountain ranges. While the Centre insists that mining will not be allowed, protests continue and political questions are mounting. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least five people were killed early this Thursday morning in Karnataka’s Hiriyur taluk. A speeding container truck jumped a road divider and crashed into a luxury sleeper bus. The impact caused the bus to burst into flames, trapping passengers inside. As families and children travel overnight on our highways, a troubling question emerges — how safe is long-distance road travel in India today? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Christmas approaches, celebrations across India are usually marked by carols, church gatherings and public festivities. But this year, a growing number of allegations suggest a very different atmosphere — one of fear and intimidation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal supporters clashed with police near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday. They were protesting the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Barricades were breached, and slogans were raised in the high-security diplomatic zone. What sparked this protest, and how did it escalate into a diplomatic flashpoint? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of H-1B visa holders who travelled to India for visa renewal in December are stranded after US consulates abruptly postponed their interview appointments to next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BJP-led Mahayuti is heading for a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra local body elections, with early trends showing the alliance comfortably ahead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A late-night altercation at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday has sparked outrage after a passenger alleged that an off-duty Air India Express pilot assaulted him. The incident has raised serious questions about airline conduct and has drawn the attention of the aviation ministry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tension gripped Bangladesh on Friday after the death of prominent July Uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi sparked protests across the country. From attacks on media houses to unrest near diplomatic premises, the developments have raised serious concerns about law and order. So, what exactly happened, and why has Hadi’s death pushed Bangladesh back into turmoil? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India has topped the global rankings for doping violations in sports for the third year in a row, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency or WADA. So why does India continue to lead this dubious list, even as it prepares to host major international sporting events? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delhi’s toxic air has pushed the state government into tougher curbs and emergency relief. With construction halted and vehicles restricted, the city is tightening the screws to fight pollution. So what measures are being rolled out, and who gets relief? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Delhi court has refused to take up the Enforcement Directorate’s money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald matter. Here’s why. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.