As Christmas approaches, celebrations across India are usually marked by carols, church gatherings and public festivities. But this year, a growing number of allegations suggest a very different atmosphere — one of fear and intimidation. 

As Christmas approaches, celebrations across India are usually marked by carols, church gatherings and public festivities. But this year, a growing number of allegations suggest a very different atmosphere &mdash; one of fear and intimidation.&nbsp;

Welcome to the Daily News Dose Podcast by Onmanorama. Tune in to get updated about the major news stories of the day.

Welcome to the Daily News Dose Podcast by Onmanorama. Tune in to get updated about the major news stories of the day.

Daily News Dose

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Welcome to the Daily News Dose Podcast by Onmanorama. Tune in to get updated about the major news stories of the day.04:09 PM

Ahead of Christmas, alleged attacks on Christians by right wing forces trigger national concern | Top News of Dec 24, 2025

India will impose a new excise duty on cigarettes from February 1. The Finance Ministry has notified a duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, over and above the existing GST. With this move, cigarette prices are set to rise after years of stable taxation. So, what exactly is changing, and what should smokers expect now?

India will impose a new excise duty on cigarettes from February 1. The Finance Ministry has notified a duty ranging from ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks, depending on cigarette length, over and above the existing GST. With this move, cigarette prices are set to rise after years of stable taxation. So, what exactly is changing, and what should smokers expect now?

Costlier cigarettes from Feb 1: What will the new excise duty mean for smokers in India? | Top News of Jan 1, 2026

Food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy are rolling out higher incentives for delivery partners ahead of New Year’s Eve, a move they say is standard during festive periods. At the same time, gig worker unions have called for a nationwide strike on December 31st, demanding better pay and working conditions. With lakhs of workers threatening to log off on one of the busiest nights of the year, how serious is the disruption likely to be?

Food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy are rolling out higher incentives for delivery partners ahead of New Year&rsquo;s Eve, a move they say is standard during festive periods. At the same time, gig worker unions have called for a nationwide strike on December 31st, demanding better pay and working conditions. With lakhs of workers threatening to log off on one of the busiest nights of the year, how serious is the disruption likely to be?

Swiggy, Zomato workers call nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve — what’s behind it and how big could the impact be? | Top News of Dec 31, 2025

Moscow has accused Ukraine of attempting to strike a presidential residence in northern Russia. Kyiv has strongly denied the charge, calling it a fabricated excuse to prolong the war.

Moscow has accused Ukraine of attempting to strike a presidential residence in northern Russia. Kyiv has strongly denied the charge, calling it a fabricated excuse to prolong the war.

Ahead of Christmas, alleged attacks on Christians by right wing forces trigger national concern | Top News of Dec 24, 2025

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