As New Year approaches, cities including Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bengaluru brace for restrictions. Mumbai enforces Section 144 till January 18, banning drones and aerial activities for 30 days. Lucknow follows suit with Section 144 till January 2, restricting public gatherings in various places. Bengaluru tightens security, imposing strict measures on drunk driving and traffic, setting a 1 AM deadline for New Year parties. Police Commissioner B Dayanand outlines restricted zones, aiming to curb traffic congestion in key areas. Citizens urged to adhere to guidelines for a safe celebration. Check local updates for comprehensive details on New Year festivities in these cities.

Sanjay Singh, the recently elected Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, asserts that the sports ministry failed to follow the "proper procedure" in suspending the WFI. Singh, citing the democratic election process, states, "We have won the elections (of WFI) democratically... After all these, if you say we are suspended, we are not going to accept it." He plans to challenge the suspension in court, emphasizing, "A democratically-elected body was not given a chance to explain its position which is against the principle of natural justice which everybody is entitled to under the Constitution of India." Singh dismisses the IOA-formed ad-hoc committee and accuses Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, and Sakshi Malik of playing politics. Singh hopes for a favorable response from United World Wrestling regarding the ban imposed on WFI, stating, "We have written to the UWW requesting to lift the ban imposed on the WFI, as the elections were held democratically."

The Enforcement Directorate's recent charge sheet reveals links between Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi, and land transactions facilitated by real estate agent CC Thampi. While Vadra has been named in earlier charge sheets, this marks the first mention of Priyanka. The document alleges a "long and thick" relationship between Thampi and Vadra, emphasizing shared business interests. Although both Vadra and Priyanka are not accused, the charge sheet aims to establish connections between them and Thampi. The broader investigation involves fugitive arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari and accusations of money laundering and other financial irregularities.

The Union Sports Ministry's suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its office-bearers triggers a storm. Newly-elected WFI president, Sanjay Singh, accuses protesting wrestlers, stating, "These players are past their prime." Singh alleges politics and disruptions to junior wrestlers' progress, emphasizing the need for proof if he has disrespected anyone. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia's return of awards adds a personal touch. The Indian Olympic Association appoints Bhupinder Singh Bajwa to lead the ad-hoc committee, aiming to navigate the turmoil. Wrestling faces a significant shakeup as allegations and protests dominate the scene.

Actor and DMDK Chief Vijayakanth, 71, has passed away at a Chennai hospital. Initially on ventilator support following a positive Covid-19 test, the hospital's statement clarified that pneumonia led to his demise. Admitted for a routine health check on Tuesday, his party had deemed him "healthy." With a notable film career and political legacy, Vijayakanth served as an MLA and Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu from 2011 to 2016. Recent health concerns had prompted a reduced political role. The news marks the end of a significant era in Tamil cinema and politics.

The national capital woke up to near-zero visibility as dense fog shrouded Delhi and adjacent areas. With the mercury plummeting to 6 degrees Celsius, the cold wave persists, compelling the homeless to seek refuge in night shelters. Transport, including trains, faced delays due to low visibility. The India Meteorological Department forecasts "dense to very dense" fog until December 29. Changes in weather patterns are anticipated after December 30, offering relief from the chilling conditions. Amid the cold wave, Uttar Pradesh alters school timings, and a 15-day winter vacation is declared from December 31.

During his Rajouri-Poonch visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured justice to the families of three civilians who died after an army ambush. Singh pledged, "Whatever has happened...there will be justice." The civilians, picked up for questioning, alleged torture, leading to a court of inquiry and officer removals. Singh emphasized soldiers' duty, stating, "Not only to safeguard the nation's interests but also to win the hearts of the people." Families received ex-gratia payments, and Singh paid tribute to slain soldiers, underscoring the country's indebtedness to their sacrifice. The incident raises questions about military conduct.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared photos wrestling with Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia at Virendra Akhara, Haryana. The visit follows the suspension of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by Sports Ministry. Rahul highlighted the struggle of athletes amid controversies over WFI elections, stating, "If these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their arena and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path?" Deepak Punia explained, "He came to see how the daily life of a wrestler goes." The suspension, prompted by allegations of past influence, led to protests by athletes, including Bajrang Punia returning Padma Shri.

Two suspects caught on CCTV near the site of blast that occurred close to the Israel Embassy in New Delhi on Monday. The embassy confirmed the incident, reporting no casualties. A letter criticizing Israel's Gaza actions, attributed to "Sir Allah Resistance," was found wrapped in an Israeli flag. Security has been heightened, and forensic teams are investigating. No burnt explosives were discovered, raising the possibility of a "chemical explosion." Israeli authorities are cooperating in the investigation. This incident follows heightened security alerts globally since Israel's conflict with Hamas. In 2021, a blast near the embassy damaged cars, and in 2012, a bomb targeted an embassy car, injuring a diplomat's wife.

During a virtual interaction in Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi expressed his goal to transform 2 crore women associated with self-help groups into 'lakhpati' individuals. Engaging with beneficiaries, he sought support for this initiative. A woman named Rubina Khan, part of an SHG under the Aajeevika mission, shared her success story of starting a clothing business, expanding, and contributing during the COVID-19 period. PM Modi praised her self-confidence, emphasizing women's role in making the country 'atmanirbhar' (self-dependent). Rubina's achievements showcased the impact of government welfare schemes on grassroots entrepreneurship.