Here are the top 15 news today from India and around the world for 14 December 2025.
🇮🇳 1. Delhi Chokes As Schools Shift To Hybrid Mode Amid Severe Smog
Delhi’s air quality remained at “severe” levels as winter smog thickened over the National Capital Region, forcing authorities to keep schools up to Class 11 in hybrid mode and ask offices to move 50% of staff to work-from-home. The Air Quality Index stayed well above the danger mark, with doctors warning of rising respiratory problems and urging vulnerable groups to remain indoors. www.ndtv.com+1
Officials have activated the strictest set of pollution controls, including limits on construction, curbs on certain vehicles and restrictions on outdoor activities. While these emergency measures are meant to provide short-term relief, environmental experts say Delhi’s recurring winter crisis shows the need for deeper reforms in transport, industry and crop-burning policies. This continuing health emergency naturally features in the top 15 news today for Indian readers.
Source: NDTV, AP News
🇮🇳 2. “Punjab Gripped By Fear” Ahead Of Rural Body Polls
In Punjab, opposition leaders have claimed that the atmosphere ahead of upcoming rural body elections is “gripped by fear”, alleging intimidation and misuse of state machinery. Reports highlight complaints from local leaders about threats, violence and pressure on candidates in pockets of the state. www.ndtv.com
The state government has rejected these charges, saying security arrangements are in place and the polls will be conducted fairly. However, repeated opposition statements and social media campaigns are keeping the issue alive, framing the rural elections as an early test of political sentiment before larger battles ahead.
Source: NDTV
🇮🇳 3. MK Stalin Expands ₹1,000 Scheme For Women In Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced an expansion of the flagship ₹1,000 monthly assistance scheme for women, just months before key elections. The move widens the eligibility net, bringing more women heads of households under the social welfare programme and signalling that economic support will be a core poll plank. www.ndtv.com
Supporters argue the scheme is helping families cope with inflation and boosting female financial independence. Critics, however, accuse the government of election-focused populism and question the long-term fiscal burden. The expansion again underlines how welfare and direct cash support have become central to state-level politics in India.
Source: NDTV
🇮🇳 4. Manipur BJP MLAs Summoned To Delhi Amid Government Buzz
Several BJP MLAs from Manipur were called to Delhi, fuelling speculation about political changes in the violence-hit state. The visit comes amid continuing criticism over the handling of ethnic clashes and law-and-order issues. www.ndtv.com
Party leaders have downplayed the buzz, describing the meetings as routine consultations, but the timing has triggered discussions about possible leadership changes or a cabinet reshuffle. For Manipur, still dealing with displacement and security tensions, any political move at the top will be closely watched.
Source: NDTV
🇮🇳 5. Company Threatens To Exit ₹3,700 Crore J&K Project Over “Interference”
A private company executing a large ₹3,700 crore project in Jammu & Kashmir has reportedly threatened to withdraw, alleging “interference” and delays. According to reports, the firm has raised its concerns with the administration and suggested that the viability of the project is at risk. www.ndtv.com
The episode has revived questions about the investment climate and ease of doing business in the region, which the government has tried to pitch as open for major infrastructure and tourism projects. Officials say they are working to resolve issues, but investors everywhere will be watching the outcome carefully.
Source: NDTV
🇮🇳 6. Odisha School Shock: 14-Year-Old Brings Revolver To Classroom
In a disturbing incident from Odisha, a 14-year-old student allegedly brought a revolver to school and threatened the headmaster, sparking panic on campus. Police quickly intervened and took the weapon into custody, opening an investigation into how the minor accessed the firearm. www.ndtv.com
The case has prompted renewed calls for tighter monitoring of students, better counselling support and stronger coordination between schools, parents and law enforcement. Educators say the episode is a reminder of the kind of social and mental health pressures that young students are increasingly facing.
Source: NDTV
🇮🇳 7. Tiger Mauls Woman To Death In Maharashtra
A 45-year-old woman was mauled to death by a tiger in Maharashtra, adding to a series of human–wildlife conflict incidents in forest-adjacent regions. Initial reports suggest she was collecting firewood when the big cat attacked. www.ndtv.com
Forest officials are tracking the animal and considering whether it needs to be captured or relocated. Conservationists note that as human habitation and agriculture encroach deeper into forest areas, encounters between people and wildlife are becoming more frequent, posing serious challenges for both safety and conservation.
Source: NDTV
🇮🇳 8. India Crush South Africa In Dharamsala T20 To Lead Series
India defeated South Africa by seven wickets in Dharamsala after bowling out the visitors for just 117, with pacer Arshdeep Singh delivering a standout performance. The strong win gave India a 2–1 lead in the T20 series, boosting confidence ahead of the final games. Reuters
The chase was comfortably handled by India’s top and middle order, underlining the team’s depth in white-ball cricket. With young players grabbing their chances, selectors will now face good headaches over the best combinations for future tournaments.
Source: Reuters
🇺🇸 9. US Tightens Immigration Rules, Bars Old Photos To Curb Identity Fraud
The United States has tightened certain immigration rules, including a bar on using old identity photos, in an effort to reduce document fraud and impersonation. Authorities say stronger verification measures are needed as digital manipulation tools become more sophisticated. www.ndtv.com
Rights groups have asked for clear communication so that genuine applicants are not penalised due to technicalities or confusion about the new norms. For many aspiring migrants, especially students and workers from India, these changes will be important to track while planning applications.
Source: NDTV / Reuters
🇺🇸 10. US And Syrian Soldiers Injured In Attack On Joint Delegation
Reports from Syria said two US soldiers and one civilian were killed and others injured after an ISIS gunman opened fire on a joint US–Syrian delegation. The incident is a stark reminder that extremist groups remain active despite years of military operations against them. www.ndtv.com
Washington has condemned the attack and vowed to continue counter-terrorism efforts in the region. Analysts warn that even as global attention shifts to other conflicts, unstable areas in Syria and Iraq still harbour networks capable of deadly strikes.
Source: NDTV / AFP
🇺🇦 11. Zelensky Signals Ukraine Is Ready To Drop NATO Ambition In Peace Push
In a major diplomatic shift, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine is willing to abandon its long-standing goal of joining NATO in exchange for strong, legally binding security guarantees from Western allies. The announcement came as peace talks with US envoys began in Berlin, hosted by Germany. Reuters
The move meets one of Moscow’s core demands while stopping short of giving up Ukrainian territory, and is seen as a high-stakes gamble to end the war. European leaders are working with Washington and Kyiv on a detailed peace roadmap, even as Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure continue.
Source: Reuters
🇷🇺🇺🇦 12. Russia–Ukraine War: Hybrid Threats And Frontline Attacks Continue
Latest situational reports on the Russia–Ukraine war highlighted continued Russian attacks in Donetsk and Sumy regions and ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian assets, including ships and energy infrastructure. Germany summoned Russia’s ambassador over what it called a sharp rise in disinformation, cyberattacks and attempted sabotage on its soil. Al Jazeera
Analysts say the conflict has evolved into a long, grinding confrontation that spans the battlefield, cyberspace and economic measures. Even as peace proposals are discussed, both sides remain locked in a war of attrition that continues to reshape European security.
Source: Al Jazeera
🇵🇰🇦🇫 13. Pakistan And Afghanistan Trade Fire Along Border, No Casualties
Pakistani and Afghan forces exchanged gunfire along a tense stretch of their shared border, though officials on both sides reported no casualties. Each country blamed the other for firing first, raising concerns about the durability of a fragile ceasefire. AP News
Talks aimed at easing border tensions have repeatedly broken down in recent months, even as cross-border trade and the movement of people remain vital to local economies. Observers warn that repeated skirmishes could derail diplomatic efforts and fuel broader instability across the region.
Source: AP News
🇮🇳🇧🇩 14. India–Bangladesh Ties Tested By Trade Restrictions And Strategic Shifts
Recent analyses of India–Bangladesh relations in 2025 show that while bilateral trade is growing, tensions have emerged over border management, export restrictions and Dhaka’s efforts to diversify partners, including closer engagement with China. India’s decision earlier this year to revoke a key trans-shipment facility for Bangladeshi exports has been widely discussed as a signal of deeper strategic discomfort. ORF Online+2The Daily Star+2
Despite these frictions, official documents still describe the relationship as a model regional partnership, with dozens of institutional mechanisms covering security, connectivity, power and infrastructure. Diplomats say both sides will need careful, quiet engagement to prevent trade disputes from undermining long-term cooperation that is crucial for eastern India and Bangladesh alike.
Source: ORF, The Daily Star, IBEF
☄️ 15. Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Glows Green As It Heads Toward Close Approach
Astronomers tracking the rare interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS report that it has brightened and developed a vivid green glow as it moves toward its closest approach to Earth around 19 December. New observations from Gemini North in Hawaii and X-ray data from ESA’s XMM-Newton observatory suggest fresh molecules — likely diatomic carbon — are being released as the comet heats up near the Sun. The Times of India+2TechStock²+2
Scientists are excited because 3I/ATLAS, only the third confirmed interstellar object, carries material from another star system entirely. Studying its composition could reveal how planetary systems formed elsewhere in our galaxy. The comet remains far from Earth and poses no threat, but it offers a rare chance to look at truly alien ice and dust.
Source: Times of India, EarthSky, TS2.Tech
🔹 Quick Headlines (14 December 2025)
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Delhi’s toxic air keeps schools hybrid and offices partly remote
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Zelensky offers to drop NATO goal in search of peace
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India–Bangladesh trade and transit friction highlights regional competition
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Pakistan–Afghanistan border firing renews tension
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Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS turns bright green as it nears Earth
That completes the top 15 news today. For more daily updates, visit Daily10 every day.