Home Minister G. Parameshwara said Karnataka police will escort heavily intoxicated New Year’s Eve partygoers home or to rest centres until sober. Fifteen rest points are set up across cities to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

Food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy have increased payouts for their delivery partners on New Year’s Eve to maintain smooth operations amid a nationwide gig workers’ strike call. The move comes as unions representing app-based workers demand better pay and safer working conditions.

Zomato announced that delivery partners could earn Rs 120–150 per order during peak hours from 6 pm to midnight. Riders could make up to Rs 3,000 over the course of the day depending on order volume. To further encourage participation, Zomato temporarily waived penalties for order cancellations or denials. Company officials said these measures are part of their standard festive-period incentives to manage higher demand.

Swiggy has also enhanced earnings for its delivery partners. Riders could earn up to Rs 2,000 on New Year’s Eve during peak hours, with potential total earnings of Rs 10,000 across December 31 and January 1. Swiggy stated that these incentives are intended to ensure sufficient rider availability during the holiday surge.

The payout hikes come as unions, including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), called for a strike. They claim over 1.7 lakh delivery workers are expected to participate. The strike follows earlier protests on December 25, when many workers logged off platforms to protest declining earnings, unsafe delivery pressures, and loss of dignity at work.

Unions warn that the strike could affect not just food delivery but also quick-commerce and logistics services like Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto. Their demands include restoring previous payout structures, removing ultra-fast delivery targets like the 10-minute option, safer working conditions, and formal labour recognition.

Zomato and Swiggy maintain that incentive boosts during peak periods are routine and emphasize their commitment to supporting delivery partners during high-demand times. By temporarily increasing payouts, both companies aim to prevent disruptions during one of the busiest nights of the year.

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An Indian YouTube channel, Bandar Apna Dost, has emerged as the world’s most-viewed channel producing AI-generated “slop” content, according to a recent global study. The channel is estimated to earn around $4.25 million a year, making it one of the most profitable examples of automated video creation on the platform.

The findings come from a report by Kapwing, a video-editing company that analysed nearly 15,000 high-performing YouTube channels worldwide. The study focused on the growing spread of low-effort, AI-driven videos—content created quickly using artificial intelligence, with little human creativity or storytelling involved.

Bandar Apna Dost topped the global list in this category, recording more than 2 billion views and attracting millions of subscribers. The channel features short animated clips, usually centred on a cartoon monkey and a muscular, superhero-like character placed in exaggerated or absurd situations. The videos are simple, repetitive, and easy to produce in large numbers using AI tools.

Kapwing identified 278 channels that rely entirely on AI-generated content. Together, these channels have amassed over 63 billion views and more than 220 million subscribers, showing how rapidly such content is spreading across YouTube.

The report also highlights the role of YouTube’s recommendation algorithm in driving the popularity of AI-generated videos. Around 20 percent of videos recommended to new users fall into the AI slop category. On YouTube Shorts, the share is even higher, with nearly one in three suggested videos classified as low-substance but highly engaging content, often referred to as “brainrot”.

Experts say the success of channels like Bandar Apna Dost reflects how AI has reduced the cost, time, and effort needed to produce viral videos. A small team—or even a single creator—can now upload content at scale and generate significant advertising revenue.

However, the trend has raised concerns among creators and media observers. Critics warn that the rise of automated, low-effort videos could push original and high-quality content out of recommendation feeds. Others argue that it exposes how platform algorithms prioritise engagement over creativity or depth.

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Ranjit “Ricky” Singh Gill, an Indian-origin official serving in the US administration under President Donald Trump, has drawn global attention after being honoured for his role linked to the 2025 India-Pakistan ceasefire. Gill, who is currently Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the US National Security Council (NSC), received the NSC Distinguished Action Award, one of the highest internal recognitions for contributions to US national security.

The award was presented in Washington by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and cited Gill’s role during heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. US officials have indicated that Gill was part of behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Gill was born in New Jersey to Punjabi Sikh parents who migrated to the United States from India. Both his parents are doctors. He studied public policy at Princeton University and later earned a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Over the years, Gill has built a steady career in US foreign policy, serving in the State Department and earlier on the NSC during Trump’s first term, where he handled Russia and European energy security.

In his current role, Gill oversees US policy relating to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia, a region marked by fragile security dynamics and complex geopolitical interests. He has also been involved in broader strategic initiatives, including discussions on trade, regional connectivity and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

However, Gill’s recognition has triggered debate in India. The Indian government has firmly denied claims that the United States played a mediating role in the ceasefire, maintaining that all decisions were taken bilaterally between India and Pakistan. Several former diplomats and strategic experts have questioned the rationale behind the award, calling it inconsistent with India’s official position.

Criticism has also surfaced on social media, with some users viewing the honour as an attempt by Washington to shape a diplomatic narrative rather than reflect ground realities. Despite the controversy, the award highlights the growing influence of Indian-origin professionals in US policymaking circles and the sensitive nature of diplomacy in South Asia.

Gill himself has not publicly commented on the criticism, but his profile continues to rise amid ongoing geopolitical developments in the region.

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Indian cricket star Deepti Sharma created history by becoming the highest wicket‑taker in Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is) during the fifth and final match of the India vs Sri Lanka women’s T20I series in Thiruvananthapuram on December 30, 2025. Sharma claimed her 152nd T20I wicket, surpassing Australia’s Megan Schutt, setting a new global benchmark in women’s T20 cricket.

Sharma achieved the milestone by dismissing Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva leg before wicket in the 14th over of the match. Her bowling performance helped India secure a 15‑run victory, finishing at 175 for 7. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 68 off 43 balls anchored the innings, while disciplined Indian bowling restricted Sri Lanka to 160 for 7, sealing the 5‑0 series sweep.

This series win marked India’s third 5‑0 whitewash in women’s T20Is, following clean sweeps against the West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. India has now extended its dominance over Sri Lanka in the bilateral T20I format, winning four consecutive series.

Sharma’s record is notable for its consistency. She achieved 152 wickets in 133 matches, showcasing her value as a strike bowler. Her performance underscores India’s growing strength in international women’s cricket, with her among the leading wicket‑takers in the game overall.

The milestone comes as India builds momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales. The series sweep and Sharma’s achievement not only highlight the team’s skill and depth but also inspire the next generation of women cricketers to aim for excellence.

Sharma’s record-breaking feat has been hailed as a defining moment in women’s cricket, reinforcing India’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

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Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and environmental journalist, has died after battling acute myeloid leukemia. She is survived by her husband and two young children. Her family confirmed her passing, honoring her life and legacy.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will withdraw its remaining military forces from Yemen, effectively ending its on-ground role in the country’s long-running conflict. The move comes amid rising tensions with Saudi Arabia and signals a new phase in shifting alliances within the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen .

In a statement, the UAE said it was voluntarily ending the mission of its specialised counter-terrorism units, which were the last Emirati forces still stationed in Yemen. Abu Dhabi said the decision was taken after reviewing recent developments and assessing the risks to its personnel. The UAE had already scaled back most of its military presence in Yemen in 2019, though it continued limited operations focused on counter-terrorism and security support .

The announcement followed a Saudi-led coalition airstrike on the Yemeni port city of Mukalla. Saudi Arabia said the strike targeted a shipment of weapons and military vehicles allegedly linked to the UAE and meant for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful southern Yemeni group backed by Abu Dhabi. The UAE rejected this claim, stating that the shipment was intended for its own forces and was not linked to any local faction .

Tensions escalated further when Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, cancelled a defence agreement with the UAE. The council also issued an ultimatum calling for Emirati forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours, declared a temporary state of emergency, and announced restrictions at ports and border crossings .

The developments highlight growing differences between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the future of Yemen. While both countries were once key allies in the war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, they now appear divided over political and military strategies, particularly regarding southern Yemen and the role of the STC.

The UAE said it continues to respect Saudi Arabia’s security concerns and remains committed to regional stability. Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue as regional players try to prevent further escalation and push for a political settlement to end Yemen’s years-long conflict .

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern after reports emerged that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence was allegedly targeted in a military strike. He urged all parties to show restraint and focus on dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.

Mr. Modi shared his reaction on X, saying he is “deeply concerned by reports of the targeting of the residence of the President of the Russian Federation.” He emphasized that peaceful negotiations remain the best path forward and warned against actions that could harm ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The statements follow conflicting claims by Moscow and Kyiv. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukrainian forces carried out a drone attack on Putin’s official residence in the Novgorod region. According to Russia, as many as 91 drones were used but all were destroyed, and there were no casualties or damage. Lavrov described the attack as similar to terrorism and suggested it might affect Russia’s position in peace talks.

Ukraine strongly denied the accusation. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it “baseless” and said it was a Russian attempt to justify further attacks. Ukraine stressed that it does not take actions that would harm diplomatic negotiations.

India’s response reflects its long-standing belief that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi’s comments come as global leaders monitor developments, urging all sides to avoid escalation.

The incident highlights the fragile situation in the region, with the international community closely watching both Russia and Ukraine. India continues to support peaceful resolution and encourages calm, measured responses from all parties involved.

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CBSE cancelled Jaipur’s Neerja Modi School’s affiliation after a Class 4 student’s suicide. The board cited ignored bullying complaints, poor safety measures, and lack of counselling. Students up to Class 11 must transfer by March 2026.

Raihan Vadra, son of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and businessman Robert Vadra, has got engaged to his long-time partner Aviva Baig. The engagement took place on December 29 in the presence of close family members. A bigger family celebration is expected to be held in Rajasthan in the coming days.

The engagement has been confirmed by sources close to the family. While there has been no formal public announcement, social media posts shared by Aviva Baig, including a photograph with Raihan, drew attention and led to widespread discussion.

Raihan Vadra, 25, has largely stayed away from active politics despite belonging to one of India’s most well-known political families. He is a visual artist and photographer and has been interested in photography from a young age. His work includes wildlife, street and commercial photography. Raihan has also held exhibitions, including a solo show titled Dark Perception, which showcased his artistic perspective.

Aviva Baig is a Delhi-based photographer and creative professional. She studied at Modern School, Delhi, and later completed her graduation in Journalism and Communication from OP Jindal Global University. She is the co-founder of Atelier 11, a photography and production studio that works with brands, agencies and individual clients.

Aviva has showcased her photography at several art platforms, including exhibitions at Method Gallery and the India Art Fair’s Young Collector Programme. Apart from her creative work, she has experience in media production and communications. Reports also note that she was a former national-level football player, highlighting her diverse interests and achievements.

The couple has been in a relationship for around seven years and had largely kept it private in the past. Over time, they began sharing occasional glimpses of their life together on social media.

With both families giving their consent, Raihan and Aviva are now preparing for their wedding, which is expected to take place in the coming months. The engagement has attracted public interest due to the prominence of the Gandhi-Vadra family, but those close to the couple describe it as a simple and personal celebration focused on family and togetherness.

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