The Kerala police in India have arrested 11 individuals and seized over 1 lakh fake degrees from 22 universities, sparking a major scandal in the country’s higher education system. According to reports, the police operation targeted a group involved in producing fake degrees, which were being sold to job seekers in the fields of medicine, nursing, and engineering. The group allegedly charged between Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh (approximately $1,000 to $2,500 USD) per certificate.
This latest development comes as the Indian government grapples with the issue of fake degrees and their use in securing employment. The Indian Express reported that over 10 lakh fake degrees have been used to secure jobs in various sectors, including medicine, nursing, and engineering.
In a separate development, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, has condemned US President Donald Trump’s recent statements as “unlawful and inflammatory” and has called for their condemnation by the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, has claimed that his company’s AI-powered chatbot, Grok, can diagnose medical conditions, including X-rays and MRI scans, more accurately than human doctors. The claim has sparked both excitement and skepticism in the medical community.
In the Middle East, the UAE Ministry of Defense has announced that it has withdrawn its troops from Gaza after a recent operation against Hamas militants. The move has been welcomed by the international community, which has been urging a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In other news, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has expressed his willingness to facilitate diplomatic talks between the US and North Korea. The move comes as tensions between the two countries remain high, with the US imposing sanctions on North Korea for its continued nuclear and missile tests.
In the real estate sector, Dubai has seen a record number of property transactions in 2025, with prices increasing by 30.6% compared to the previous year. The surge in demand has been driven by the city’s growing economy and its appeal as a hub for international business and tourism.
In the United Kingdom, a driver was arrested and fined $2,700 for showing off his driving skills on the highway. The incident has sparked a wider debate about road safety and the need for stricter regulations to prevent reckless driving.
In a joint statement, foreign ministers from Muslim countries have called for the restoration of basic infrastructure and hospitals in Gaza and the opening of the Rafah crossing. The statement comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and in need of aid.
In the UK, a video of men exercising at a mosque in Bradford has gone viral on social media, with over 2 million views on TikTok and Facebook. The video has sparked a wider debate about the role of religion in modern society and the need for greater understanding and tolerance.
In Canada, the Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into a incident involving an Air India pilot who was found to have consumed alcohol during his duty period. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of air travel and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a separate development, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has announced plans to provide aid packages to Afghanistan, which has been ravaged by conflict and poverty. However, the Taliban has reportedly taken control of half of the aid, sparking concerns about the effectiveness of the relief efforts.
In Pakistan, actress Bushra Ansari has expressed her concerns about the growing trend of comedy shows that rely on explicit content. The actress has called for greater regulation of the entertainment industry to prevent the spread of explicit content.
In the world of cricket, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has issued a statement on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 trophy. The statement comes as the ACC and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continue to disagree over the issue.
In the judiciary, a court has issued a notice to witnesses in a high-profile case, requiring them to appear in court on January 10. The case has sparked widespread interest and debate, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the legal system.
