Mon Dec 29 01:16:53 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the key events from the December 29, 2025, edition of The Hindu’s e-Paper, focusing on international and national developments:

Global Diplomacy, Political Maneuvering, and Legal Battles Dominate News Cycle

NEW DELHI – December 29, 2025 – Today’s headlines are filled with diplomatic efforts, political posturing, and ongoing legal battles, reflecting a complex global and national landscape.

On the international front, U.S. President Donald Trump stated progress was made in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war following a meeting with both Presidents in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. While a deal is supposedly closer, there hasn’t been an apparent breakthrough on the territory issue.

Tensions remain high in South Asia. Indian officials denied claims from Bangladeshi police that suspects in the killing of an Islamist youth leader had fled to Meghalaya. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari revealed he was advised to seek shelter when India launched Operation Sindoor.

Domestically, political friction is escalating between the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF, with the rivalry crossing into Karnataka ahead of the upcoming Kerala assembly polls. The controversy surrounding the demolition of structures in Bengaluru has become a focal point for political maneuvering. Congress party faces internal divisions following Digvijaya Singh’s remarks about the RSS, prompting debate on the need to strengthen the party’s organization.

In Assam, mobile internet services were restored in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts following improvements in the law and order situation, though security remains tight after recent violence. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea by the CBI challenging the suspension of the life sentence of Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case. A court in West Bengal extended the police custody of Satadru Dutta, organizer of a chaotic Messi event.

On a positive note, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a significant 97% reduction in malaria cases, aiming for complete eradication of the disease in India. Meanwhile, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat urged Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru’s correspondence to the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library.

In Maharashtra, industrialist Gautam Adani acknowledged Sharad Pawar as his “mentor” at the inauguration of an AI center. Nepal’s Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has been nominated as the prime ministerial candidate in a pact with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) for upcoming elections.

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