Todays Top 15 News Across the World – 17 December 2025
Todays top 15 news across the world brings you a handpicked list of the most searched and important stories for
17 December 2025, with the first 8 big headlines from India and the remaining 7 major updates from around the globe.
🇮🇳 PM Modi’s West Asia & Africa Outreach: From Jordan to Ethiopia
As part of todays top 15 news across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s latest diplomatic outreach is focused on
strengthening India’s ties with West Asia and Africa. He recently concluded a high-profile visit to Jordan, where he held
talks with King Abdullah II on regional security, trade, counterterrorism cooperation and food and energy security. The
visit emphasised India’s role as a reliable partner in a region that is currently facing conflicts, supply chain
disruptions and economic uncertainty. Alongside the West Asia leg, India is also deepening engagement with African partners
such as Ethiopia through agreements on education, technology, peacekeeper training and digital infrastructure. These moves
are part of New Delhi’s broader goal to position India as a leading voice of the Global South, expand its strategic
footprint and secure new markets and resources while supporting stability and development in partner countries.
🇮🇳 IMD Issues Fresh Cold Wave & Dense Fog Alerts Across India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh alerts warning of intense winter conditions across large parts
of the country. North Indian states including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are under warnings for
dense to very dense fog during early morning hours, with visibility dropping to near zero in several locations. This has
affected road traffic, rail services and early morning flights, with authorities advising commuters to plan journeys
carefully and follow safety advisories. The IMD has also predicted cold wave conditions in parts of central and southern
India, including Telangana and interior Karnataka, as minimum temperatures fall several degrees below normal. Snowfall in
Himalayan regions and wintry rain in the Northeast further signal that the core of the winter season has firmly set in,
prompting health and travel advisories for vulnerable groups and holiday travellers.
Source:
The Times of India – IMD issues dense fog, cold wave and snowfall warnings across India
🇮🇳 IndiGo Flight Disruption Advisory: Fog, Delays & Travel Impact
IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, has issued a travel advisory warning passengers about potential delays
and disruptions due to dense winter fog and low visibility, particularly on routes in North and East India. The advisory
is aimed at travellers on early morning flights, who are most affected when runway visibility drops below operating minima.
Passengers have been asked to check the latest status only through official IndiGo channels such as the website and mobile
app to avoid misinformation. The airline has acknowledged that weather-related disruptions may lead to extended waiting
times and rescheduling, urging passengers to arrive at airports well in advance. The situation comes on top of broader
scrutiny of airline operations and highlights how seasonal fog remains a key challenge for aviation infrastructure and
scheduling in India’s winter months.
Source:
The Times of India – IndiGo issues travel advisory on fog and low visibility
🇮🇳 Yamuna Expressway Tragedy in Dense Fog Near Mathura
A devastating multi-vehicle pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway near Mathura has shocked the nation and exposed the deadly
combination of high speeds and poor visibility in winter. In the early hours, when dense fog had reduced visibility to
almost nothing, a bus and a car reportedly collided, triggering a chain reaction involving around 18–19 vehicles,
including multiple buses, cars and SUVs. Several vehicles caught fire following what officials believe was a CNG tank
explosion, leaving at least 13 people dead and more than 100 injured. Many passengers were asleep when the accident
occurred, which contributed to the high casualty count. Victims were rushed to hospitals in Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra,
while a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the causes and suggest preventive measures. Condolences and
compensation announcements have come from both the state and central leadership, as road safety experts once again call
for stricter speed enforcement, better fog-warning systems and more robust emergency response protocols on India’s
high-speed corridors.
Source:
The Times of India – 13 burnt to death on Yamuna Expressway as 19 vehicles crash in fog
🇮🇳 Over ₹4.09 Lakh Crore Disbursed Under PM-KISAN Scheme
The Union government has highlighted the scale of support extended to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
(PM-KISAN) scheme, stating that more than ₹4.09 lakh crore has been disbursed directly into farmers’ bank accounts since
the programme was launched. Spread over multiple instalments, the income-support scheme provides eligible small and
marginal farmers with regular cash transfers to help them manage input costs, household expenses and shocks such as crop
failure or market price volatility. The most recent instalments underline how PM-KISAN has become one of the world’s
largest direct benefit transfer programmes in agriculture. While supporters call it a critical safety net in times of
inflation and climate stress, critics argue that more structural reforms in irrigation, storage, markets and land policy
are required to ensure long-term rural prosperity. With elections and the Union Budget on the horizon, the scale and design
of farmer support will continue to be at the centre of India’s economic and political debates.
Source:
JagranJosh – ₹4.09 Lakh Cr Disbursed Under PM-KISAN (Headlines for 17 Dec 2025)
🇮🇳 Indian Railways Turns to AI for Safer, Smarter Trains
Indian Railways is pushing ahead with a major technology upgrade by rolling out artificial intelligence-based safety and
monitoring systems. One of the flagship projects is a Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS), developed in collaboration
with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), which uses high-resolution cameras and AI/ML algorithms
to scan the undercarriage of moving trains in real time. The goal is to detect defects, overheating components or structural
issues before they lead to derailments or costly breakdowns. Similar AI-led tools and smart coach concepts are being tested
to monitor wheel profiles, track conditions, and other critical assets across the network. Officials say these innovations
will reduce manual inspection, cut downtime and improve safety for millions of daily passengers. Experts, however, caution
that technology must be backed by strong training, transparent data practices and independent safety audits to deliver its
full benefits.
Source:
Indian Masterminds – Railways to install AI-based train monitoring system (MVIS)
🇮🇳 West Bengal Draft Electoral Roll Published Under Special Revision
The Election Commission has released the draft electoral roll for West Bengal as part of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
drive ahead of upcoming polls. The updated list now includes around 7.1 crore electors, after approximately 58 lakh names
(about 7.6% of the earlier electorate) were identified for deletion as absent, shifted, deceased or duplicate entries.
Additionally, nearly 1.9 crore entries are facing notices over mapping and data discrepancies, signalling one of the
largest clean-up exercises of voter records in the state. Citizens whose names are missing or incorrectly recorded are being
urged to file claims and objections within the notified window, using prescribed forms both online and through Booth Level
Officers. Political parties are closely tracking the revisions, as changes in voter lists can significantly influence
constituency-level outcomes, especially in a politically polarised state like West Bengal.
Source:
The Times of India – West Bengal draft voter list, SIR deletions and discrepancies
🇮🇳 India Crushes Malaysia in U-19 Asia Cup as Sports Ambitions Grow
India’s under-19 cricket team delivered a powerful statement by comprehensively defeating Malaysia in the U-19 Asia Cup,
underscoring the depth of young talent in the country’s cricket pipeline. A dominant batting performance set up a big total,
which the bowlers defended comfortably, giving India a healthy net run rate boost in the group stage. The result reflects
India’s strong bench strength at junior levels and feeds into a broader national ambition to position the country as a
multi-sport powerhouse. Government and sports authorities have been emphasising better training infrastructure, sports
science, nutrition and grassroots talent scouting, not only in cricket but also in sports like shooting, badminton,
wrestling and athletics. For aspiring young players, such U-19 victories are proof that a clear pathway from school and
academy cricket to the international stage is increasingly achievable with the right support.
Source:
JagranJosh – India crushes Malaysia in U-19 Asia Cup (Headlines for 17 Dec 2025)
🇬🇧 UK Hospitals Under Pressure as Flu Cases Surge and Doctors Strike
In the United Kingdom, hospitals are facing extreme pressure as a severe flu wave collides with a major strike by junior
doctors in England. Flu hospitalisations have risen sharply, with NHS England warning of a “worst case scenario” for
December as thousands of patients occupy beds each day. Despite this, resident doctors represented by the British Medical
Association have begun a five-day walkout over pay and training, arguing that years of real income erosion and workforce
strain have left the system unsustainable. The government has condemned the strike as dangerous and irresponsible, saying it
risks longer waits and cancelled appointments at the peak of winter demand. Health leaders have urged the public to use
emergency departments only for life-threatening conditions while relying on primary care and pharmacy services where
possible. The confrontation encapsulates deeper structural issues around funding, staffing and resilience in the NHS.
Sources:
Reuters – Doctors in England begin five-day walkout during flu surge;
NHS England – worst case scenario amid super flu surge
🇫🇷 Louvre Strike & Jewel Heist Put Security in the Dock
Paris’s Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited art institution, has been partially shut as staff continue a strike over
pay, staffing levels and working conditions. The walkout follows mounting concerns about security and infrastructure,
especially after a high-profile jewel heist in October in which crown jewels worth tens of millions of euros were stolen.
Unions argue that chronic understaffing, budget pressures and management decisions have left galleries vulnerable and staff
overworked. During the strike, the museum has restricted access to a “masterpiece route” featuring highlights such as
the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, leaving many visitors disappointed after long waits. French cultural authorities are
now under pressure to respond with concrete hiring and investment plans, while the museum’s leadership faces scrutiny in
parliament over how such serious security lapses were allowed to occur in one of France’s iconic landmarks.
Sources:
Reuters – Louvre staff vote to extend strike after jewel heist;
AP News – Louvre workers extend strike amid security concerns
🇻🇪🇺🇸 Trump Orders Blockade on Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tankers
Global markets and diplomats are closely watching rising tensions in the Caribbean after U.S. President Donald Trump
announced what he called a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The
move marks a sharp escalation in U.S. pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government and has been described by critics
as an act of war undertaken without congressional approval. Germany and other U.S. allies have expressed concern that the
blockade could further destabilise the region and worsen Venezuela’s already dire humanitarian situation. Supporters argue
that tougher enforcement of sanctions is necessary to cut off illicit revenue and push Caracas towards political change.
The decision is feeding into broader debates over the limits of unilateral sanctions, the legality of blockades in peacetime
and the impact of great-power rivalry on smaller, crisis-hit countries.
Sources:
NationofChange – Trump declares naval blockade against Venezuela;
Reuters – Germany warns against jeopardizing peace after tanker blockade
🇷🇺🇪🇺 EU Clash Over Frozen Russian Assets and Euroclear Risks
A brewing confrontation over frozen Russian central bank assets is intensifying as the European Union moves ahead with
plans to use profits from immobilised funds to finance support for Ukraine. Belgium-based clearing house Euroclear, which
holds around €165 billion in Russian assets, has been placed on “rating watch negative” by Fitch Ratings due to legal
and liquidity risks linked to the EU strategy. At the same time, Russia’s central bank has filed a massive lawsuit
against Euroclear in a Moscow court, seeking compensation for blocked funds. The case not only highlights growing
financial and legal tensions between Moscow and Brussels but also raises questions about the future of global reserve
currencies, the sanctity of sovereign assets and how far Western nations can go in redirecting frozen funds to support
Ukraine’s war effort and reconstruction without triggering wider financial instability.
Sources:
Reuters – Fitch places Euroclear on rating watch negative;
Reuters – Russian central bank lawsuit against Euroclear
🇪🇸 Barcelona Win in Copa del Rey, Bonmatí Wins Third FIFA The Best
FC Barcelona enjoyed a highly successful day on and off the pitch. In the Copa del Rey, the defending champions survived a
scare against lower-league side CD Guadalajara, eventually securing a 2–0 win with two late goals that sent them into the
last 16. The match marked the return of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen after a long injury lay-off and saw young defender
Pau Cubarsí celebrate his 100th competitive appearance for the club. Off the pitch, Barcelona’s dominance in the women’s
game was confirmed once again as Aitana Bonmatí was crowned FIFA The Best Women’s Player for the third consecutive year,
adding to her hat-trick of Ballon d’Or titles. Rising star Lamine Yamal and playmaker Pedri were also recognised in global
award shortlists and best XI selections, underlining Barça’s continuing influence on world football despite recent
financial and institutional turbulence.
Source:
Barca Blaugranes – FC Barcelona news, 17 Dec 2025 (Copa win & Bonmatí award)
🎯 World Darts Championship Lights Up London’s Ally Pally
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship 2025/26 is underway at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, bringing its trademark
mix of high sporting drama and party atmosphere. This year’s edition features an expanded field of 128 players competing
for a record overall prize fund of £5 million, with the winner set to receive a staggering £1 million, the highest payday
in darts history. Defending champion Luke Littler headlines a world-class line-up that includes established stars and rising
talents from Europe, Asia and the Americas. The tournament is considered the pinnacle of the darts calendar, running for
three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. With packed crowds in fancy dress, sing-alongs, and global TV coverage,
the World Championship continues to drive darts’ growth from a pub game to a genuine international spectacle.
Sources:
PDC – New era begins at 2025/26 World Darts Championship;
Live Darts – World Darts Championship 2025/26 prize money
🌌 NASA & Astronomers Track Interstellar Visitor Comet 3I/ATLAS
Astronomers around the world are preparing for a rare and scientifically exciting event as interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS
makes its closest approach to Earth on 19 December 2025. Only the third known interstellar object to pass through our
solar system, 3I/ATLAS is providing researchers with a unique opportunity to study material that formed around another
star. NASA, the European Space Agency and ground-based observatories are coordinating a global observing campaign,
including planned livestreams by projects such as the Virtual Telescope Project in Italy. Although it will remain far
beyond the naked-eye range for most casual observers, powerful telescopes will capture detailed images and spectra to
analyse the comet’s composition, dust, gas and trajectory. Scientists hope that these observations will offer fresh clues
about how planetary systems form and evolve in other parts of the galaxy, turning this distant icy visitor into an
invaluable natural probe of conditions far beyond our own neighbourhood.
Sources:
Space.com – Live updates on interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS;
Mint – Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS flyby on 19 Dec