A summary of key opinions from Deccan Herald's 'Speak Out' for December 18, 2025, covering political discourse, economic challenges, and social issues. Read the diverse perspectives shaping public debate.
Punjab Police shot dead a key accused in the murder of kabaddi player Kanwar Digvijay Singh in an encounter. A second accused was arrested at Delhi airport while trying to flee to Muscat. Details inside.
CAG K Sanjay Murthy reveals serious flaws in India's DBT system, with thousands of crores transferred without verification due to poor data integration. Read the full audit concerns.
Kerala opposition leader V D Satheesan alleges CPM-led violence post-election defeat, with bomb attacks in Kannur. Police accused of inaction. Details on arrests and political blame game inside.
Karnataka govt tables bill to split 17% SC quota into 3 categories, sparking debate. Assembly also passes key bills on drugs, medical services & road safety. Read the full details.
A Pune court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the 2021 murder of a 13-year-old kabaddi player. The crime, involving 25 stab wounds, occurred in Bibvewadi. Read the full details of the verdict and the court's reasoning.
A visual journey across the globe on December 18, 2025: From environmental protests in Tunisia to festive joy in Malta and Kolkata, and migratory flamingos in Rajasthan. See the day's powerful stories through images.
Amritsar police took drastic action against noise pollution, crushing 200+ modified bike silencers with a road roller. A strong message to bikers violating norms.
Amritsar police thwart a daring robbery attempt at a medical store where the accused used a toy pistol. Two arrested, investigation ongoing. Read the full story.
Yamunanagar officials receive strict directives to comply with Supreme Court orders on managing stray dogs, ensuring animal welfare and public safety. Learn about the new measures.
Haryana advocates met DGP Shatrujeet Kapur, highlighting severe difficulties in accessing FIRs online via the 'Haryana Police' portal. They demand a streamlined, advocate-friendly system for justice delivery.
Amit Sehgal and Parthoshil arrested for the alleged murder of journalist Pankaj Mishra in Dehradun. The assault was targeted at his vital organs, police inaction alleged. Read the shocking details.
A four-year-old girl was kidnapped and murdered in Rampura Bisnoiyan village, Sirsa. Police arrested the main accused, Sanjay Kumar. The family demands action.
Pune traffic police stop towing vehicles in no-parking zones after contract lapses on Nov 29, causing major jams on key roads. Officials cite election code of conduct for delay in renewal.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces a Multi-Lane Free Flow toll system by 2026-end. It will read number plates at 80 kmph, saving fuel and boosting revenue. Read more about India's highway revolution.
The Supreme Court's directive to relocate nine toll plazas in Delhi-NCR brings hope to commuters plagued by severe traffic and pollution on key expressways like Delhi-Gurgaon. Read the full story.
A Deccan Herald cartoon critiques the redefinition of poverty in India, questioning who is left behind. Explore the political and social implications of this shift.
Purusula Pedda Lingamma, a Chenchu tribal woman rescued from bonded labour in 2016, is now the elected Sarpanch of Ramagiri village in Nagarkurnool, promising change for her community.
Himachal Pradesh High Court threatens contempt action against Finance Secretary for defying Supreme Court order to clear pending dues of retired judges. Next hearing could trigger punitive steps.
Bhagalpur's agriculture department is creating a digitised farmers' registry with unique IDs and geo-mapping to simplify access to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, subsidies, and bank loans. Learn how to enroll.
Telangana Assembly Speaker dismisses disqualification petitions against MLAs who joined Congress. BRS terms it unconstitutional and will challenge the decision in the High Court. Details inside.
Political parties in Nashik are in a frenzy as the NMC elections approach. Voting is on Jan 15 for 122 seats across 31 wards. BJP and NCP lead candidate interviews. Get the latest updates.
BJP shares video alleging TMC MP Kirti Azad vaped inside Lok Sabha. TMC's Abhishek Banerjee demands full footage before action. Internal party discipline also under scrutiny.
Haryana's winter session from Dec 19-22 faces opposition motions on pollution, unemployment, Aravali law, and SYL canal. Key issues include waterlogging, drugs, and teacher vacancies.
Death toll in Mathura's Yamuna Expressway pile-up reaches 18. Most victims charred beyond recognition; DNA samples collected. Families await news as investigation continues.
Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami spar over the Centre's move to rename MGNREGA. Stalin accuses EPS of siding with BJP, while EPS defends his stance. Read the full political showdown.
Supreme Court directs private claimants to halt all construction on disputed Shamshabad land allegedly owned by HMDA. Case involves allegations of fabricated court orders. Read the full legal saga.
Former TTD chairman accuses Andhra govt of gifting prime temple land worth Rs 520 cr to a private hotel group. Demands probe into alleged Rs 500 cr loss. Details inside.
The Karnataka Land Revenue Amendment Bill, passed unanimously in Belagavi, aims to correct land records in Kodagu, resolving the complex Jammabane issue. Read details.
Tension erupted in Haryana's Fatehabad as farmers protesting a land auction allegedly detained a Naib Tehsildar. The dispute involves a Rs 7 lakh loan that ballooned to Rs 27 lakh. Read the full details.