Top News of the Day – Morning News Brief 17th Dec 2025 : India & World
Top News of the Day – Morning News Brief : India & World
Hey there, folks. It’s that time again -> grabbing your coffee and scrolling through the headlines that matter. From Modi’s latest nod on the world stage to folks in Slovakia standing up for what’s right, we’ve got a mix of stories keeping us on our toes. I’ll break them down quick, so you can catch up without the fluff. Let’s dive in.
India News
Modi Gets Ethiopia’s Top Award: Shares the Spotlight with All Indians
Prime Minister Narendra Modi picked up Ethiopia’s biggest honour yesterday, the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, handed over by their PM Abiy Ahmed. It’s his 28th such award from another country, a real mark of how India’s voice carries weight abroad. Modi didn’t keep it to himself, he dedicated it straight to the people back home, saying it’s their hard work that makes these moments happen. The ceremony wrapped up talks on trade, tech, and green energy between the two nations. It’s a reminder that quiet diplomacy builds bridges that last.
Zubeen Garg Case Kicks Off in Court: Seven Suspects Log In from Afar
The heartbreaking death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg is finally hitting the courtroom. Yesterday in Guwahati, all seven accused showed up virtually before the Chief Judicial Magistrate. A special team filed the charge sheet, laying out the details of what went down. The judge set the next date for December 22, when they might have to appear in person. Fans and locals are watching close, this case hits hard in a place where Zubeen was like family. Justice feels a step closer, but the pain lingers for everyone who loved his voice.
Gujarat Says No to Rolling Papers: A Move to Keep Kids from Harm
Gujarat just put the brakes on selling rolling papers and pre-rolled cones (the stuff often used for smoking up). The home department called it a health win, aimed at stopping young people from getting hooked on drugs like weed or worse. Stores can’t stock or sell them anymore, with fines waiting for anyone who tries. It’s part of a bigger push in the dry state to shield teens from addiction’s grip. Parents and doctors are nodding along; small steps like this can change lives before they start down a bad road.
Nirav Modi’s London Drama: Appeal Hearing Slips to March
Fugitive jeweler Nirav Modi won’t get his day in a UK court this February after all. The High Court pushed his bid to reopen the extradition fight to March 2026, right after Indian officials sent over fresh papers on his prison conditions. Modi’s team argued a secret legal snag had blocked his return, but that fell through. He’s still holed up in Pentonville, facing fraud charges back home. This delay keeps the $2 billion scam saga dragging, but India’s assurances might finally tip the scales.
India and Israel Map Out 2026: Deeper Bonds on Trade and Tech
India and Israel sat down and sketched a solid plan for their partnership next year. Foreign Minister Jaishankar met his counterpart Gideon Sa’ar, locking in goals on everything from defence to farming tech. They backed a Gaza peace push too, stressing no room for terror. It’s about turning good talks into real deals that boost jobs and security. Both sides see this as a long-haul team-up and India’s growth meets Israel’s smarts. Expect more handshakes turning into factories and farms down the line.
Supreme Court Cracks Down on ‘Digital Arrest’ Tricks: Time for Real Fixes
India’s top court isn’t letting those scary phone scams slide. Back in early December, they told the government to round up banks, cops, and tech folks for a meeting on stopping fake “digital arrests.” These crooks pose as officers, scare people into paying up over video calls. The bench handed the CBI the reins for a nationwide probe and nudged states to play ball. It’s a wake-up call as too many folks have lost savings to this nonsense. Strong rules now could save heartaches later.
Court Sets Clock for Cadet Support: Six Weeks to Help the Wounded
The Supreme Court gave the government a firm deadline yesterday: six weeks to wrap up a rehab plan for officer cadets let go due to injuries. These young folks trained hard at places like the National Defence Academy, only to get sidelined by accidents or health issues. The judges want counselling, jobs, and cash aid sorted fast. It’s about honouring their service, even if it didn’t lead to a uniform. Families have waited long enough, this push could open doors they thought were shut.
World News
US Jobs Add Up in November: But Shutdown Messes with the Numbers
America’s job market perked up last month, tacking on 64,000 new spots despite a government shutdown glitch. The Labor Department said unemployment hit 4.6%, the highest in years, but that dip came from folks sidelined by the brief federal close-down. Retail and health care led the gains. It’s a mixed bag, growth is there, yet shutdown echoes make it hard to read clear. Economists watch close; steady hiring keeps the engine humming through holiday rushes and beyond.
EU Eases Up on Gas Car Ban: 2035 Deadline Gets a Rethink
The European Union backed off its hard line yesterday, ditching the full ban on new gas engines by 2035. Instead, they’re aiming for a 90% drop in car emissions from today’s levels. Carmakers breathed easy, slow EV sales worldwide had them worried about empty lots. The shift buys time for better batteries and charging spots. It’s not green-lighting pollution, just a practical pivot. Drivers get options, factories keep humming, and the planet still moves toward cleaner rides, one policy tweak at a time.
Shell Shops Around German Oil Plant Stake: Eyes New Owners
Oil giant Shell is back on the hunt for buyers of its slice in the Schwedt refinery up north in Germany. They hold 37.5% of the plant, which pumps out fuel but ties back to Russian ties through majority owner Rosneft. Sanctions paused the sale before; now, with markets shifting, Shell wants out. Sources say talks are quiet but serious. It could shake up Europe’s energy flow, handing the keys to fresh players amid the push away from old dependencies.
US Hits Pause on UK Tech Mega-Deal: $40 Billion on Hold
The US pulled back on rolling out a huge $40 billion tech pact with Britain this month. It’s the Technology Prosperity Deal, meant to spark AI and chip work across the pond. But worries over UK’s online rules like ‘data privacy’ have Washington dragging feet. Officials say it’s just a stall for talks, not a full stop. Both sides want the wins, yet trust issues linger. This hiccup tests how allies mesh on the stuff that powers tomorrow.
Slovaks March for Justice: Crowds Slam Government’s Legal Overhaul
Thousands filled streets across Slovakia Tuesday, fed up with their leaders’ tweaks to courts and penalties. Prime Minister Robert Fico’s crew pushed changes that shrink whistleblower protections and soften punishments for graft. Protesters waved signs, calling it a slide back to shady days. They want President Pellegrini to block the bills. These rallies echo a bigger worry, keeping fair play alive in a young democracy. Voices like these remind power that people notice when rules bend.
EU’s New Housing Playbook: Steps to Ease the Squeeze on Renters
The European Commission laid out a fresh strategy Tuesday to fight skyrocketing home costs hitting every corner of the bloc. The Affordable Housing Plan loosens funding rules, pushes empty buildings into use, and cuts red tape for builders. Cities asked for tools like this — direct cash for social homes and green upgrades. It’s not a magic fix, but it arms local governments to build more, faster. Families scraping by deserve roofs that don’t break the bank.
US Tags Colombia’s Gulf Clan as Terror Outfit: Drug Lords in the Crosshairs
The US slapped a terrorist label on Clan del Golfo, Colombia’s biggest cocaine ring, yesterday. The Treasury called them out for violence and trafficking that floods streets worldwide. This green-lights tougher sanctions and raids. In Colombia, it ramps pressure on peace talks. The gang’s killed activists and dodged deals. Experts say it might spark more clashes short-term, but long-run, it starves their cash flow. One more tool in the endless tug against narco power.
There you have it -> a snapshot of what’s shaking things up today. What’s got you thinking? Drop a comment below. Stay sharp out there.
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