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Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike, who carried a reward bounty of more than Rs 1 crore, was killed along with three other Maoist cadres during a major encounter with security forces on the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. The joint operation, involving Odisha Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), CRPF and BSF personnel, took place in dense forest areas in the early hours of December 25, and resulted in a significant blow to Maoist insurgency in the region. Uike, a Central Committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist) and a key coordinator of Maoist activities across Odisha and adjoining states, had remained underground for decades and was among India’s most wanted insurgents. His death is being hailed as a major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Naxal campaign and may weaken the militant network’s operational structure across the Red Corridor.

Indian Railways has implemented a new fare hike effective from December 26, 2025, revising ticket prices for AC and non-AC classes on mail/express and long-distance trains. The rationalised structure exempts suburban services and season tickets from any increase, while graded fare adjustments apply to various travel distances. Ordinary class fares up to 215 km remain unchanged, but longer journeys will see incremental increases. The railway ministry has clarified that reservation and superfast charges remain the same. This measure aims to balance passenger affordability with operational sustainability.