Here are the top 15 news today from India and around the world for 15 December 2025.
🇮🇳 1. Toxic Smog Blankets Delhi, Flights And Trains Disrupted
A fresh wave of toxic smog has engulfed New Delhi, pushing the Air Quality Index close to 450 and into the “severe” category, one of the worst readings of this winter. More than 40 flights were cancelled and over 50 trains delayed as visibility dipped and pollution-related health complaints spiked across hospitals. AP News
Authorities have banned most construction activity, restricted vehicles, and advised residents to use N95 masks or stay indoors where possible. Environmental experts warn that without long-term reforms in transport, fuel quality and crop-residue management, Delhi will continue to appear in lists of the world’s most polluted cities year after year, keeping this issue firmly in the top 15 news today.
Source: AP News
🇮🇳 2. Centre Proposes Rural Job Scheme Revamp, Drop Mahatma Gandhi’s Name
The government has introduced a bill to overhaul the two-decade-old rural employment scheme, boosting guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125 per year and steering funds towards infrastructure and climate-resilient projects. The proposal also controversially renames the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to “Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Rural,” removing Gandhi’s name. Reuters
Supporters say the revamp will modernise rural employment and align it with long-term development needs. Opposition parties, however, accuse the government of trying to erase Gandhi’s legacy and rebrand a flagship welfare scheme for political credit. The debate is expected to dominate Parliament and state-level politics in the coming days.
Source: Reuters
🇮🇳 3. Rupee Hits Record Low As Trade Talks With US Drag On
The Indian rupee slipped to a record low of around 90.74 against the US dollar, weighed down by persistent foreign investor outflows and uncertainty over a long-discussed trade deal with Washington. Despite central bank interventions to smooth volatility, the rupee has become Asia’s worst-performing major currency this year. Reuters
Analysts say high US tariffs on Indian goods and delays in both US and EU trade deals have hurt sentiment, even as global conditions for emerging markets start to stabilise. India’s foreign exchange reserves have dipped from recent peaks, while equity markets have turned cautious ahead of more economic data and policy announcements.
Source: Reuters
🇮🇳 4. India’s Trade Deficit Narrows Sharply, Framework Deal With US In Sight
In more positive news, India’s merchandise trade deficit for November narrowed to a five-month low of about $24.53 billion, sharply better than October’s record gap. The improvement came as imports of gold, oil and coal eased, while exports rebounded strongly, especially to the United States. Reuters
The commerce secretary said India and the US are “close” to agreeing on a framework trade arrangement, even as they continue to navigate tariffs and market-access issues. A final deal could boost export growth, stabilise investor sentiment and partially offset pressures that dragged the rupee lower.
Source: Reuters
🇮🇳 5. India Rejects US “Dumping” Charge On Premium Basmati Rice
New Delhi has firmly denied accusations from Washington that Indian rice exporters are “dumping” products in the US market. Officials stressed that shipments largely consist of premium basmati rice sold at higher prices, arguing there is no evidence of undercutting or unfair subsidies that would justify anti-dumping measures. Reuters
India, the world’s largest rice exporter, shipped over 20 million tonnes in 2024/25, including more than 335,000 tonnes to the US. Trade officials say both sides are continuing broader talks on tariffs and a proposed trade pact, and that they want to keep this dispute from escalating into a full-blown trade conflict.
Source: Reuters
🇮🇳 6. India Charges Pakistan-Based Militants Over Kashmir Tourist Massacre
India’s anti-terror agency has filed a detailed charge sheet against Pakistan-based groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front, along with six individuals, for the April attack on Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that killed 26 people. Investigators say they traced planning and logistics back to handlers operating from Pakistani soil. Reuters
The accused face charges including waging war against India, with three alleged Pakistani militants named posthumously after being killed in a security operation. Islamabad denies backing the attack, but the case is likely to intensify diplomatic tensions and reinforce New Delhi’s demand that Pakistan crack down on cross-border terrorism.
Source: Reuters
🇮🇳 7. Andhra Pradesh Clears India’s First Autonomous Maritime Shipyard
The Andhra Pradesh government has approved India’s first autonomous maritime shipyard at Juvvaladinne fishing harbour, to be built by Sagar Defence Engineering. The facility will design, build and test unmanned surface and underwater vessels for defence, coastal surveillance and commercial use. The Times of India
Spread over nearly 30 acres of waterfront and harbour land, the project is expected to create around 750 jobs and position the state as a hub for next-generation maritime technology. Construction is slated to start this month, with trial production planned for late 2026, aligning with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Source: Times of India
🇮🇳 8. Andhra Pradesh Wins National Energy Conservation Award Again
Andhra Pradesh has bagged the National Energy Conservation Award 2025 for the fourth consecutive year, topping a key category in the State Energy Efficiency Index. The state scored 89.25, improving on last year’s performance and reflecting gains across buildings, industry, agriculture and municipal services. The Times of India
Officials credit a mix of policies — from an Integrated Clean Energy Policy to sector-specific initiatives — for the sustained progress. The recognition reinforces AP’s image as a frontrunner in energy efficiency and offers a model for other states facing rising power demand and climate targets.
Source: Times of India
🇺🇸 9. US Flies Surveillance Drones Over Gaza In Search Of Hostages
US officials confirmed that American surveillance drones are flying over Gaza to help locate hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. These flights are part of Washington’s broader support for Israel and parallel diplomatic efforts to manage the wider regional fallout. Reuters
Analysts say the drone operations highlight how deeply the US remains involved in Middle East security even as it focuses attention on Asia and Europe. The situation in Gaza continues to draw sharp global reactions, and decisions in Washington remain central to how the conflict evolves.
Source: Reuters Daily Briefing
🇺🇸 10. Bill Of Rights Day Marked Across The US
December 15 is observed as Bill of Rights Day in the United States, commemorating the ratification of the first ten amendments to the US Constitution in 1791. The day is often used by officials, courts and civic groups to highlight freedoms such as free speech, freedom of religion and protections against unreasonable searches. National Today
While not a major public holiday, the occasion typically prompts discussions on civil liberties, constitutional rights and the balance between security and freedom. In a politically polarised period, debates over the Bill of Rights and its interpretation remain central to US public life.
Source: National Today (US civic reference)
🇫🇷 11. France Seeks Delay To EU–Mercosur Trade Deal Amid Farmer Protests
France has asked the European Union to delay a key vote on ratifying the long-pending trade agreement with Mercosur countries — Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay — citing strong opposition from European farmers. Paris argues that farmers could be undercut by cheaper imports produced under weaker environmental standards. Reuters
The French government wants additional safeguards, “mirror clauses” requiring similar standards for imports and tougher food safety checks. It is also trying to build a coalition of member states that could block or reshape the deal. The outcome will have major implications for EU trade policy and climate commitments.
Source: Reuters
🇪🇺 12. European Carmakers Push To Soften 2035 Combustion Engine Ban
Major European carmakers are lobbying the EU to relax its planned 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, arguing that the transition to electric vehicles is lagging due to weak demand, high power costs and limited charging infrastructure. Companies like Volkswagen, Renault and Stellantis want more flexibility, including room for low-carbon fuels and plug-in hybrids. Reuters
Brussels is preparing a policy package that may offer some relief, potentially allowing CO₂-neutral fuels and revisiting timelines. Environmental groups fear backsliding on climate goals, while industry leaders insist they need realistic deadlines to protect jobs and remain competitive against Chinese EV makers.
Source: Reuters
🇺🇦🇷🇺 13. Global Reactions Build After Ukraine Drops NATO Membership Goal
World capitals are still digesting Ukrainian President Zelensky’s decision to abandon the country’s bid to join NATO in return for robust security guarantees from the US, Europe and other allies. The move, announced as peace talks opened in Berlin, aligns with a key Russian demand but leaves many questions about enforcement and long-term security. Reuters
European and North American negotiators are working on the details of a 20-point peace plan that could eventually freeze the front lines and channel reconstruction funds to Ukraine. Critics worry that any agreement that leaves Russian forces in place might encourage future aggression, but supporters argue that Ukrainians urgently need a path to peace and rebuilding.
Source: Reuters
🇵🇰🇦🇫 14. Region Pushes To Fix Pakistan–Afghanistan Ties As Trade Routes Shift
At a regional summit hosted by Iran, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Russia, China and Central Asian states met to discuss Afghanistan’s political and economic future, calling for sanctions relief and deeper regional cooperation. Notably, the Taliban government did not attend, but the participants urged better ties between Kabul and Islamabad, which have been strained by border clashes and militancy. AP News+2The Diplomat+2
Recent reports show Afghanistan increasingly using alternative trade routes to bypass Pakistani crossings that have been repeatedly closed, costing Afghan exporters hundreds of millions of dollars. Observers say the “mother of all relations” between Pakistan and Afghanistan is under severe strain, and that regional diplomacy will be critical to avoid a deeper security and economic crisis.
Source: AP News, The Diplomat, Afghanistan Peace Campaign
☄️ 15. 3I/ATLAS Comet Nears Closest Approach, Still No Threat To Earth
The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS continues to brighten as it approaches its closest pass by Earth around 19 December. New images show a striking green coma and tail, created as sunlight releases fresh gas and dust from its surface. X-ray and optical data together are giving scientists an unprecedented look at the chemistry of an object formed in another star system. The Times of India+2TechStock²+2
Astronomers emphasise that the comet will remain at a safe distance and is not hazardous. Instead, it offers a rare scientific opportunity: by comparing 3I/ATLAS with comets from our own Solar System, researchers hope to learn how planet-forming material differs across the galaxy and how our own system fits into that bigger picture.
Source: Times of India, EarthSky, TS2.Tech
🔹 Quick Headlines (15 December 2025)
-
Rupee hits record low; trade deficit narrows sharply
-
Government plans major rural jobs scheme revamp and rebranding
-
Delhi’s smog triggers flight and train disruptions
-
EU–Mercosur trade deal faces fresh roadblocks from France
-
3I/ATLAS comet races toward its closest, safe fly-by of Earth
That completes the top 15 news today. For more daily updates, visit Daily10 every day.