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December 25, 2025 8:15 AM

Morning News

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THE HEADLINES:

  

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, to mark 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

 

  • CBI to challenge High Court’s order on suspension of life sentence and bail to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao rape case.

 

  • Death cases due to malaria decline by 78 per cent in the country, says Health and Family Welfare Minister, JP Nadda.

 

  • India condemns demolition of Hindu deity statue during Thai-Cambodia border clashes; Says such disrespectful act hurts sentiments of followers around the world.

 

  • Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh nominated for Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.

  

  • Christmas being celebrated across the globe with festive fervor to mark birth of Jesus Christ.

 

 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Lucknow, today on the occasion of 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. At around 2:30 PM, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal and also address a public gathering on the occasion. Driven by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the legacy of luminaries of independent India, Rashtra Prerna Sthal will serve a tribute to the life, ideals, and enduring legacy of one of India’s most revered statesmen, whose leadership left a profound impact on the nation’s democratic, political, and developmental journey.

 

“Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed as a landmark national memorial and inspirational complex of enduring national significance. Constructed at an approximate cost of ₹230 crore and spread across an expansive area of 65 acres, the complex is envisioned as a permanent national asset dedicated to fostering leadership values, national service, cultural consciousness, and public inspiration. The complex features 65-feet-high bronze statues of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolising their seminal contributions to India’s political thought, nation-building, and public life. It also houses a state-of-the-art museum designed in the form of a lotus-shaped structure, spread over approximately 98,000 square feet. SUSHIL CHANDRA TIWARI, AKASHVANI NEWS, LUCKNOW.”

 

 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. In a social media post, Mr Modi said,  Atal Bihari Vajpayee dedicated his entire life to good governance and nation-building. The Prime Minister said, Atal Bihari Vajpayee will always be remembered as a powerful orator and a great poet.

 

 

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The Central Bureau of Investigation CBI will challenge the suspension of life sentence and bail to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case in the Supreme Court. Spokesperson of the Investigation Agency said, the decision was taken after studying the orders of a division bench of the Delhi High Court in the Unnao rape case of 2017. Sengar will remain in jail as he is also serving a 10-year term for the custodial death of the rape survivor’s father. Sengar had filed an appeal against his life sentence, which was vehemently opposed by the CBI and the family of the victim before the high court.

 

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suspended the jail term of expelled BJP leader Sengar, who was serving life imprisonment in the 2017 Unnao rape case, saying he has already served seven years and five months in prison.

 

 

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Health and Family Welfare Minister, JP Nadda has said that malaria incidence in the country is declining by over 80 per cent and deaths by 78 per cent, showcasing India’s transition from a high-burden malaria country to a high-impact state. Addressing the Advancing Public Health Outcomes Forum 2025 in New Delhi, Mr Nadda said that over 30 thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) have received National Quality Assurance Standards Certification. He also noted that the government aims to establish one AAM for every two thousand population and said that this reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare.

 

 

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The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled a hashish oil trafficking network during an operation conducted on Tuesday night. Acting on credible intelligence, a team of NCB officers, with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force, mounted a targeted operation at Duvvada Railway Station in Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the interception of five individuals, including one woman, and the seizure of four kilograms of hashish oil. Following examination, all five persons were arrested under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

NCB said, further investigation is in progress to identify and apprehend other members linked to the trafficking network.

 

 

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A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of seven accused in the Red Fort blast case by 15 days, remanding them to jail till January 8. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma remanded Dr Adeel Rather, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Shaheen Saeed, Maulvi Irfan Ahmed Wagay, Jasir Bilal Wani, Amir Rashid Ali and Soyab to judicial custody after they were produced before the Patiala House Court. Earlier, the three doctors and Wagay were sent to 12 days of judicial custody on December 12. Ali and Wani were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody on December 10. Soyab was sent to five days of judicial custody on December 19.

 

 

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External Affairs Ministry has stressed that disrespectful acts such as demolishing statues of deities hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place. In response to media queries on the demolition of Hindu deity statue in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of shared civilizational heritage. He urged the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage.

 

 

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Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas have revoked all actions under Stage-IV of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect following significant improvement in air quality. The Commission had invoked Stage-IV on the 13th of this month when the average AQI of Delhi breached the 450 mark.

 

 

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In Madhya Pradesh, Cold winter conditions continue across the state along with fog in several districts. Here is the report.

 

“According to the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, weather remained mainly dry across all divisions of Madhya Pradesh during the last 24 hours. Pachmarhi remained the coldest place in the state, with the minimum temperature recorded at 3.8 degrees Celsius, while Kalyanpur in Shahdol district recorded a minimum temperature of 6.3 degrees Celsius. Light fog was observed in Gwalior, Rewa, Satna and Indore districts. The weather department has said that minimum temperatures may fall further by one to two degrees Celsius in the coming days. Deepa singh with Vipin Mishra, from Akashvani Bhopal.”

 

 

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 Two-time Olympic medallist and Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has been nominated for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna. The nominations for the Nationals Sports Awards 2025 were finalised, by the selection panel comprising of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vice-president Gagan Narang, former Hockey player MM Somaya and former badminton player Aparna Popat.

The selection panel also recommended 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award, including yogasana athlete Aarti Pal. Rifle shooter Mehuli Ghosh, gymnast Pranati Nayak and India’s top-ranked women’s badminton pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand are also among the recommendations.

 

 

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Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary has emphasized on building AI capabilities between government, industry, academia and training institutions to ensure country’s training systems remain responsive to real-world demand. Chairing a meeting on Skilling for AI in New Delhi, Mr Chaudhary said that by embedding AI skills across education, vocational training and the workforce, the government is laying the foundation for a Viksit Bharat in an AI-enabled global economy.  During the meeting, the minister reviewed the IndiaAI Mission’s FutureSkills pillar and other key initiatives including AI Careers for Women (TechSaksham 2.0) and AI training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0.

 

 

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Christmas is being celebrated across the globe today. Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. On the occasion, people decorate their houses by putting a Christmas tree, illuminated paper star, Holly wreaths and exchange gifts. Pope Leo XIV is presiding over the Christmas celebrations for the first time after being elected in May, this year.

Meanwhile, Goa, the state of sunshine, is bathed in festive spirit as leaders and citizens come together to celebrate the message of peace and joy. For more updates on the celebrations, we now go to our reporter on the ground in Panaji.

 

“From the historic churches to every home, Goa is celebrating a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapati Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão have extended warm greetings, calling for unity to strengthen the state’s unique social fabric. While celebrations are evolving-with digital greetings and modern decor-the heart of the festival remains. Families are gathering over traditional delicacies of bebinca and dodol, transcending barriers of religion and caste. As the Chief Minister noted, Goa remains a model of peaceful living, reminding us today that inclusion is our greatest strength. Mahesh Chopade for Akashvani News Panaji.”

Nagaland too, is celebrating Christmas with deep religious reverence and festive spirit. A report:

 

Christmas in Nagaland is being marked by deep religious devotion as citizens commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas eve, many Churches held evening and midnight masses with  prayer sessions ushering in the spirit of the joyous day. As the clock struck midnight, people welcomed Christmas with the bursting of fireworks and the singing of carols, wishing one another Merry Christmas and offering prayers for blessings, peace and harmony. This morning, congregations of different denominations are gathering in churches for community worship and prayer across the state, dressed in their finest attire and singing hymns of praise. Delectable feasts are being prepared to regale the Naga spirit and partake in traditional community feasts. Exchange of greetings and gifts, and visits to friends and dear ones are marking the celebration, while some are expressing their goodwill by visiting the less privileged. Asonuo, Akashvani News, Kohima.”

 

 

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted people on the occasion of Christmas. In a social media post, Mr Modi said, wishing everyone a joyous Christmas filled with peace, compassion and hope. He hoped that the teachings of Jesus Christ will strengthen harmony in the society.

 

 

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In Tamil Nadu, the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with music and fanfare. Midnight services and carolling are part of the celebrations in Churches in rural and urban areas.

 

 

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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINE,

 

  • News of centre clamping ban on new mining leases in Aravallis is carried prominently by all the leading dailies.
  • Cabinet approves three new corridors for Delhi Metro expansion, headlines The Statesman.
  • ISRO’s heaviest rocket ” Bahu Bali” LVM 3- M6 successfully launched, is the top story in The Pioneer.
  • Uddhav and Raj Thackeray announce alliance for BMC polls, writes The Indian Express.
  • Government gives nod to two new Airlines post INDIGO’s fiasco, reports The Asian Age.
  • Gold and Silver hit fresh highs in the bullion market, says Financial Express.
  • And finally, GRAP rolled back in Delhi as AQI improves, according to Hindustan Times.

 

 

 

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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN,

 

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, to mark 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

 

  • CBI to challenge High Court’s order on suspension of life sentence and bail to former MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Unnao rape case.

 

  • Death cases due to malaria decline by 78 per cent in the country, says Health and Family Welfare Minister, JP Nadda.

 

  • India condemns demolition of Hindu deity statue during Thai-Cambodia border clashes; Says such disrespectful act hurts sentiments of followers around the world.

 

  • Christmas being celebrated across the globe with festive fervor to mark birth of Jesus Christ.

 

 

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