The ED filed a money laundering case against Shamsul Huda, a UK-based ex-teacher, for allegedly receiving fraudulent salary and benefits for a decade after leaving India. He amassed properties worth Rs 33 crore and cash of Rs 5 crore from suspicious sources. The investigation revealed "administrative collusion" in Uttar Pradesh's madrassa system. Huda is also accused of links to Pakistan-based religious networks and faces multiple FIRs, including cheating, forgery, and waging war against India. The ED is tracing foreign funds and examining potential threats to national security.

India's first "wildlife-safe" road corridor on Madhya Pradesh's NH-45 uses innovative strategies to reduce animal-vehicle collisions. The 11.96-kilometer Hiran-Sindoor section introduces "table-top" red markings to alert drivers. 25 wildlife underpasses and fencing guide animals. This ₹122 crore project aims to maintain habitat connectivity between wildlife reserves. The initiative reflects a shift towards integrating conservation with infrastructure development, and its success will determine replication on other highways.

On December 25, 2025, a helium gas cylinder explosion near Mysuru Palace killed one and injured four. The blast occurred at 8:30 PM near Jayamarthanda Gate while a vendor filled balloons, causing panic amidst winter festival crowds. The vendor, Salim, died instantly. Injured passersby were hospitalized, with Lakshmi in critical condition. Police and forensic teams investigated the cause. The incident, occurring during peak tourist season, cast a shadow over holiday festivities, prompting authorities to enhance public safety measures.

Pudgy Penguins, an NFT brand turned entertainment IP, has taken over the Las Vegas Sphere through December 29. Animated characters are displayed on the Exosphere, marking a significant move into mainstream entertainment. Focusing on merchandise and content, unlike previous crypto attempts, the campaign aims to reach diverse audiences. The brand, acquired in 2022, shifted to physical toys and aims for $50 million revenue by 2025. The Sphere campaign also spurred a rally for the PENGU token and signals the start of the brand's "Year of the Penguin" in 2026.

Odisha security forces neutralized top Maoist commander Ganesh Uikey and three others in Rampa forest. Uikey, a CPI (Maoist) Central Committee member, carried a ₹1.1 crore bounty and was the head of the outfit in Odisha. Security forces recovered high-calibre rifles from the site. Amit Shah hailed the operation as a step towards a "Naxal-free Bharat." Authorities see this as a weakening of the Maoist hierarchy with focus now on veteran leader Devuji.

In Jakhwali, Punjab, a Sikh family, led by Mata Rajendra Kaur, donated land for a mosque to alleviate Muslim residents' prayer difficulties. Hindu residents are also contributing financially, showcasing interfaith harmony. The Shahi Imam praised the donation as embodying Punjab's tradition of mutual respect. Residents highlighted the active participation of Muslims in Sikh and Hindu festivals, reflecting the community's unity and cooperation. The mosque symbolizes shared humanity and strengthened bonds.