Category: India

Eighteen student-athletes from Odisha faced harrowing train travel, sitting near toilets due to unconfirmed tickets while returning from the 69th National School Games; the education department has ordered an inquiry.

A batch of student-athletes returning from the 69th National School Games in Uttar Pradesh were forced to sit near the toilets on a train as their tickets were not confirmed. Parents said the children had only four confirmed seats while travelling from Bhubaneswar to the tournament. The students described the incident as “nothing less than harassment.” As a result of the mismanagement, the team reached the destination only when the match had already concluded. The issue came to light after a video went viral, attracting criticism over the poor travel arrangements. Taking the matter seriously, the School and Mass Education Department on Monday ordered an inquiry to determine why confirmed tickets were not provided to the children representing Odisha in the inter-state competition.

A total of 18 student-athletes, comprising 10 boys and 8 girls from different schools across the state, travelled with four teachers to Uttar Pradesh for the National School Games, held from December 8 to 12. They departed on December 5 for Ballia and returned on December 14.

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Train Horror for Odisha Athletes: Kids Forced to Travel Near Toilets

On Cam: Athletes sitting near toilets

– No ticket confirmation for athletes

– Outrage over negligence by state

Times Now’s Satish shares more details with @anchoramitaw pic.twitter.com/hSN4dj3FUE

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 23, 2025

Assistant director, who was arranging the journey for the children, said they had written to the Railway authorities, requesting for confirmed seats under sports quota. They followed up multiple times but did not get any positive response.

Student’s Testimony

One of the girls, speaking anonymously to TOI, said they were only offered proper seats at Hinjli in Ganjam district when a TTE, who was himself a sportsperson, saw them sitting on the floor near the toilets and sympathised with their plight. “At Hinjili, the TTE saw us sitting near the toilets and inquired about our tickets. He offered us seats in different compartments of the train all the way to Bhubaneswar,” she said.
On December 5, the students, having only four confirmed tickets, took turns sitting on the berths and spent the rest of the journey sleeping on the floor in the general compartment.

A parent, Sanjeev Patnaik of Sambalpur, questioned the arrangement: “If tickets for ministers and officials can be confirmed even a few hours before travel, why could the same not be done for the children sent by the department? Even girls had to endure harrowing conditions.”

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/odisha-young-athletes-sit-by-train-toilets-miss-match-at-69-national-school-games-in-uttar-pradesh-ballia-watch-video-article-153339513

 

Delhi’s air quality was ‘very poor’ on Wednesday, with AQI levels reaching 374 at ITO and 354 near India Gate amid thick smog.

Delhi continued to experience hazardous air quality on Wednesday, as a dense layer of smog enveloped large parts of the city.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) around the ITO area was recorded at 374, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

Similar conditions were observed near India Gate, where the AQI stood at 354, also classified as ‘very poor’.

Meanwhile, Republic Day parade rehearsals continued at India Gate, with performers and organisers having to contend with the thick smog.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has activated all measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV across Delhi-NCR, as authorities work to contain the escalating pollution levels.

These measures include restrictions on certain industrial and vehicular activities to reduce emissions and mitigate public health risks associated with prolonged exposure to toxic air.

In parallel with these emergency measures, the Delhi Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved a series of steps aimed at strengthening the city’s environmental governance.

Announcing the decisions, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that the initiatives are expected to “bring a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment.”

A significant portion of the Cabinet’s plan involves the rejuvenation of Delhi’s water bodies, with an allocation of Rs 100 crore dedicated to the project.

Out of roughly 1,000 water bodies in the capital, 160 fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Government. Minister Sirsa emphasised that restoring these water bodies will play a critical role in controlling pollution levels and improving the city’s overall environment.

He added that the Chief Minister has directed authorities to provide all necessary financial support to ensure that the work is completed within the current year.

The deterioration in air quality coincides with harsh winter weather in northern India, which has further complicated the situation.

Authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and monitor AQI updates as the capital continues to face extremely poor air quality.

The combined impact of toxic smog and winter weather is expected to persist over the coming days, highlighting the urgent need for both immediate measures and long-term solutions to tackle Delhi’s pollution crisis.

Dense fog and cold wave conditions have been reported in several regions.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-pollution-smog-fog-delhi-air-qulity-very-poor-aqi-grap-9788974.html

For the first time, the Army Day parade on January 15 will have a full road-based march-past like Republic Day, instead of the traditional cantonment or parade ground setting

The Indian Army will celebrate its 78th Army Day on January 15 in Jaipur, marking the first time the ceremonial parade is being held in the Rajasthan capital. The event comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and is expected to be a strong display of the Army’s combat power, valour, and operational success. From M777 guns to Prachand and Apache helicopters to those who led the entire Op Sindoor, the event will have it all.

For the first time, the Army Day parade will be organised on the lines of the Republic Day parade, with a full road-based march-past instead of the traditional cantonment or parade ground setting. The parade will be held along a 1.5-kilometre stretch on Sitapura Road, where a special three-layer seating arrangement is being created for nearly 25,000 spectators. Overall, around 1.5 lakh people are expected to witness the event.

Army Day 2026 will feature nine marching contingents, including the Bhairav Battalion, which will participate in the parade for the first time. Formed after Operation Sindoor, the battalion is expected to be accompanied by displays of Shaktibaan and Divyastra systems. Other contingents taking part include the Assam Regiment, Artillery, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Madras Regiment, Scouts, and NCC cadets. Marching contingents will be accompanied by Army band units playing indigenous tunes, with the Nepal Army band also participating. Nepal’s band had made its debut during Army Day celebrations in 2025.

Op Sindoor fervour

The entire event will be heavily themed around Operation Sindoor. Sources say soldiers decorated for gallantry during Operation Sindoor, including Vir Chakra awardees, will be present for the first time. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees will also be part of the parade. A dedicated tableau showcasing the success of Operation Sindoor is also expected.

A wide range of weapons and platforms used during the operation will be displayed. These include the M777 ultra-light howitzer, T-90 Bhishma tanks, Arjun main battle tanks, BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, K9 Vajra self-propelled guns, Dhanush artillery systems, Smerch long-range multi-barrel rocket launchers, and Grad rocket systems. Air defence systems that played a key role in thwarting Pakistani attacks during Op Sindoor, including MRSAM, Akash missile systems, and the Schilka air defence gun system, will also be showcased.

For the first time, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand and Apache attack helicopters will take part in the aerial display, accompanied by Rudra and Chetak helicopters. The parade will also feature counter-UAS systems, swarm drones, robotic mules, and separate contingents of Indian-breed and foreign-breed dogs trained by the Army’s K9 units.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/op-sindoor-valour-m777-guns-prachand-choppers-to-headline-republic-day-style-army-day-parade-in-jaipu-9788471.html

The medical body said it has received distressing messages from Indian students in Bangladesh, many of whom are living in unsafe and uncertain conditions.

The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) on Monday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “immediate and urgent intervention” to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian medical students currently stranded in Bangladesh amid rising anti-India sentiments in the neighbouring country.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, AIMSA said it had been receiving “serious and distressing communications” from Indian students and their families, warning that the prevailing situation had left many living under unsafe and uncertain conditions.

The association said the developments had triggered widespread fear, anxiety and emotional distress among students and their relatives in India.

“On behalf of the All India Medical Students’ Association, we respectfully seek your immediate and urgent intervention concerning the safety and well-being of Indian medical students currently stranded in Bangladesh,” the letter stated.

“Their security remains vulnerable, leading to immense fear, anxiety, and emotional distress among the students as well as their families.”

The medical body underlined that Indian students who pursue medical education abroad do so with the expectation that the Indian government will support and protect them during crises. It urged the Prime Minister to coordinate closely with the Minister of External Affairs and Indian missions in Bangladesh to ensure immediate protection for all affected students.

The association also called for strengthened on-ground support through the Indian Embassy and related missions, as well as timely, clear and transparent communication with students and their families to prevent panic and misinformation. Stressing the urgency of the matter, AIMSA requested that it be treated as a top-priority emergency to safeguard the students’ lives, dignity and future.

What is happening in Bangladesh

The appeal comes amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh following a fresh wave of protests and anti-India slogans, sparked by political developments linked to last year’s July Uprising that led to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The unrest intensified further after the killing of Osman Hadi, the convenor of Inquilab Mancha and a prominent figure in the July Uprising. Hadi was shot at close range in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw. He was later airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment but died on December 18.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/fashion/nita-ambani-deepika-padukone-saree-draper-dolly-jain-reveals-this-is-the-best-way-to-store-your-sarees-101766461679503.html

The protest platform Inquilab Mancho, led by Osman Hadi’s associates, has threatened the interim government with a mass movement if justice is not delivered.

Bangladesh’s unrest has started spilling across borders, with the country suspending visa services for an indefinite period on Monday after a small group of protesters gathered near its high commission in New Delhi. India too has summoned Bangladesh’s envoy and conveyed strong objections over attacks on minorities and diplomatic missions.

The fallout has also been visible on the streets of Kolkata, where large protests erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission, fuelled by outrage over the lynching and burning of a Hindu man in Mymensingh and fears of growing Islamist mob violence next door.

At the heart of the turmoil lies a grim chain of events: the brutal mob killing of a Hindu garment worker on unproven blasphemy allegations, the assassination of a radical youth leader who emerged from last year’s uprising, and a wave of protests that has turned increasingly violent.

Media houses have been attacked, journalists trapped in burning buildings, minorities have taken to the streets demanding protection, and political platforms that once supported the interim government are now threatening to bring it down.

Here are the 10 latest developments from the unrest in Bangladesh:

Visa services suspended: Bangladesh has suspended visa services at its High Commission in New Delhi and missions in Tripura and Siliguri, citing security concerns after protests near diplomatic premises, people familiar with the matter said. India has responded by summoning Bangladesh’s envoy and registering strong objections over attacks on minorities and threats to diplomatic missions.

Anger spills onto Kolkata’s streets: Large protests erupted outside the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata, with demonstrators condemning the lynching of a Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. Protest leaders warned of further agitation, including border blockades, reflecting the depth of public anger in India.

Lynching of Dipu Chandra Das shocks the region: The killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, beaten by a mob, dragged out of his factory, hung and set on fire, has become a symbol of the breakdown of law and order in Bangladesh. Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officials say the killing was not spontaneous and unfolded over several hours.

Blasphemy claim collapses under investigation: Authorities have found no evidence that Das made any blasphemous remarks or social media posts. Investigators now believe the allegation was vague, unverified and possibly used as a pretext, with a workplace dispute emerging as a potential trigger.

Factory officials among those arrested: At least 12 people have been arrested so far, including factory supervisors and co-workers. Investigators say Dipu was forced to resign and pushed out of the factory instead of being handed over to police – a delay that law enforcement says proved fatal.

Murder of Osman Hadi ignites nationwide unrest: The death of Osman Hadi, a key face of last year’s July uprising against Sheikh Hasina, has triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh. Hadi was shot in Dhaka, airlifted to Singapore, and died days later, turning him into a rallying point for radical mobilisation.

Inquilab Mancho threatens to topple interim government: The protest platform Inquilab Mancho, led by Hadi’s associates, has issued an ultimatum to the interim government, warning of a mass movement to oust it if justice is not delivered. The group has demanded a speedy trial tribunal and even foreign investigative assistance.

Media houses attacked, journalists trapped: Mobs on Monday vandalised and torched the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, trapping journalists inside for hours. Editors say the attacks were aimed at silencing the press, not protesting coverage.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/diplomatic-face-off-with-india-angry-protests-spill-to-kolkata-10-points-on-bangladesh-unrest-101766447874998.html

Sheikh Hasina criticised the Yunus government for placing “extremists” in power, claiming it has led to increased violence and lawlessness.

As Bangladesh plunges into unrest following the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi, triggering fresh protests across the country, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has blamed the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government. Accusing it of empowering extremist elements, failing to protect religious minorities, and pushing Bangladesh into instability, Hasina said the downturn was so severe that even India “sees the chaos”, a development she warned could threaten broader South Asian stability.

In an email interview with ANI, she discussed the death of Osman Hadi, saying, “This tragic killing reflects the lawlessness that uprooted my government and has multiplied under Yunus. Violence has become the norm while the interim government either denies it or is powerless to stop it.”

The former Bangladesh PM alleged that the Yunus government has placed people with links to extremist ideologies in power.

“I share this concern, as do the millions of Bangladeshis who are prefer the safe, secular state we once were. Yunus has placed extremists in cabinet positions, released convicted terrorists from prison, and allowed groups linked to international terrorist organisations to take roles in public life. He is not a politician and has no experience governing a complex nation. My fear is that radicals are using him to project an acceptable face to the international community while they systematically radicalise our institutions from within,” she said.

“This should alarm not only India, but every nation invested in South Asian stability. The secular character of Bangladeshi politics was one of our greatest strengths, and we cannot allow it to be sacrificed at the whim of a few idiotic extremists,” she added.

The proposed road from Nilapani to Muling La Base will slash deployment and reinforcement time from days to hours and enable vehicular movement of troops even in extreme weather

The Narendra Modi government is moving ahead with one of its most challenging border infrastructure projects yet—a 32-kilometre high-altitude road that will run from Nilapani to Muling La, right up to the India-Tibet border in Uttarakhand.

The project, to be executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), aims to replace a near-primitive dirt track and trekking route with an all-weather strategic road.

According to documents accessed by CNN-News18, the BRO has formally sought consultancy services for planning and execution—a clear indication that the project has moved beyond conceptual discussion into the implementation phase. The road could cost Rs 104 crore.

Muling La is a high-altitude seasonal mountain pass located at approximately 16,134 feet, linking India’s Uttarakhand sector with the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Historically, Muling La has served as a traditional trans-Himalayan corridor, used by traders, shepherds, and border patrols long before modern boundary demarcations hardened the frontier.

For decades after the 1962 India-China war, the region remained logistically underdeveloped, partly due to harsh terrain and partly due to India’s earlier defensive doctrine that deprioritised road-building close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). That approach has now decisively changed.

At present, access to Muling La Base requires a five-day trek, with troops, rations, fuel, and equipment either carried by porters or transported by pack animals. During winter months, heavy snowfall often renders the route unusable, forcing the Indian Army to rely on pre-positioned supplies and aerial logistics.

The proposed road from Nilapani to Muling La Base will slash deployment and reinforcement time from days to hours. It will enable vehicular movement of troops and support sustained forward presence even in extreme weather. It will also reduce dependence on costly and weather-sensitive air supply missions.

The push mirrors India’s post-2020 infrastructure acceleration following the eastern Ladakh standoff. China’s extensive road and rail network across Tibet, including feeder roads right up to the LAC, exposed a long-standing asymmetry.

Uttarakhand, despite being a sensitive frontier state, lagged behind Ladakh in terms of last-mile military connectivity. Projects like the Nilapani-Muling La road signal a clear policy shift.

Defence planners point out that improved connectivity does not provoke escalation; rather, it stabilises borders by enabling faster response and clearer signalling.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/india-pushes-road-to-16000-feet-with-strategic-muling-la-project-near-china-border-exclusive-ws-kl-9786648.html

Dense fog and low visibility affected flight operations at Delhi’s IGI Airport on Tuesday morning, prompting multiple advisories amid delays and potential disruptions.

Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were affected on Tuesday morning as dense fog and low visibility conditions prevailed across the national capital, prompting multiple passenger advisories from the airport authorities through the early hours of the day.

According to the details, six arriving flights and four of those departing from the Delhi airport were cancelled for the day.

In an advisory issued at 4 am, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said that “Low Visibility Procedures are in progress at Delhi Airport”, while adding that “all flight operations are presently normal.”

Passengers were advised to remain in touch with their respective airlines for updated information on their flights.

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Passenger Advisory issued at 04:00 hours.

Please click on this link for real-time winter-ready travel updates: https://t.co/Y0B6lhwIj4#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/7o5BrK39tM

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 22, 2025

However, as visibility conditions worsened with dense fog continuing to blanket the city, the airport operator issued a fresh update at 6 am, warning of possible disruptions.

In the advisory, DIAL said, “Due to dense fog, flight operations are currently under CAT III conditions, which may lead to delays or disruptions.”

It added, “We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise any inconvenience. For the latest flight status, kindly contact your respective airlines.”

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Passenger Advisory issued at 06:00 hours.

Please click on this link for real-time winter-ready travel updates: https://t.co/Y0B6lhwIj4#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/eBxvl2LBE6

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 23, 2025

The same advisory was reiterated at 7 am, as fog continued to impact operations at the airport during the morning hours.

CAT III conditions enable aircraft equipped with advanced navigation systems to land in extremely low visibility. However, even under such conditions, flight schedules are often affected due to safety protocols, spacing between aircraft, and ground handling constraints.

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Passenger Advisory issued at 07:00 hours.

Please click on this link for real-time winter-ready travel updates: https://t.co/Y0B6lhwIj4#DelhiAirport #PassengerAdvisory #DELAdvisory pic.twitter.com/9LIFrI205n

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 23, 2025

Train services in the region were also disrupted due to reduced visibility, causing inconvenience to passengers.

Several trains were reported to be running behind schedule, while a few were cancelled, according to early morning visuals and information from the New Delhi Railway Station.

Passengers were seen waiting on platforms amid dense fog as announcements of delayed departures continued.

The disruption to flight and train operations comes amid persistently poor weather conditions in the national capital. Dense fog has been a recurring issue over the past several days, affecting transport services and daily commuting during the early morning hours.

On Monday, more than 500 flights were delayed, and at least 14 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport due to bad weather and low visibility conditions, news agency PTI reported.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-fog-smog-low-visibility-airport-advisories-flights-affected-trains-delayed-cancelled-delhi-weather-air-pollution-today-9786630.html

 

Speaking to reporters hours after his old residence at Dongkamokam was allegedly torched by protesters, Ronghang said he was on his way to meet the agitating groups for talks when he received news of the arson attack. The house, he said, was targeted after rumours spread that hunger-striking protesters had been arrested.

Amid rising tension and violence in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang on Monday described the unrest as the result of a “misunderstanding” and appealed for calm, insisting that the crisis could still be resolved through dialogue.

Arson attack on Ronghang’s residence amid rumours of arrests

Speaking to reporters hours after his old residence at Dongkamokam was allegedly torched by protesters, Ronghang said he was on his way to meet the agitating groups for talks when he received news of the arson attack. The house, he said, was targeted after rumours spread that hunger-striking protesters had been arrested.

“Yesterday, the police took a few protesters to Gauhati Medical College for medical treatment. Unfortunately, people misunderstood this as an arrest. That misunderstanding led to violence. Today, some youths came and attacked my home,” Ronghang said.

He said he was staying in Koka village in West Karbi Anglong and was travelling to Kheroni for a scheduled meeting with protesters at 4 pm when the incident occurred. According to him, around 200 people from nearby villages had gathered, allegedly carrying stones and petrol.

Ronghang reiterates faith in talks to defuse the crisis

“I came to know about the arson while I was on the way. Even now, I believe this situation can be resolved through dialogue. I appeal to everyone to come forward for talks,” the KAAC chief said.

The violence erupted against the backdrop of protests demanding the eviction of non-tribals from Professional Grazing Reserves (PGR) and Village Grazing Reserves (VGR) in the Kheroni area—an issue that has remained deeply sensitive and unresolved in the hill district for years.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state government was closely monitoring the situation. “The DGP is already there and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu is on his way to the area. I am personally keeping a close watch. I believe the matter can be resolved through dialogue,” Sarma told reporters.

High Court order cited as hurdle to eviction drive

The Chief Minister also pointed to legal constraints in carrying out eviction drives. “The High Court has passed an order because of which eviction could not be carried out in that area. But I am confident we will find a peaceful solution,” he added.

Earlier in the day, tensions escalated sharply after police opened fire to disperse protesters following the arson attack on the CEM’s residence. At least three people were injured in the firing and rushed to hospital. Police said they were forced to act as the situation spiralled out of control.

An injured official defended the police action, claiming that demonstrators had resorted to stone-pelting. “It was a strike situation. Stone-pelting should not have happened,” the official said, suggesting that police firing was a last resort to restore order.

Protesters, however, questioned the police response. “Who ordered the firing? The CEM must take responsibility. We heard gunshots and now three people are hospitalised,” one protester alleged.

Hunger strike crackdown fuels anger among demonstrators

The unrest was further fuelled by police action against an ongoing indefinite hunger strike. Protesters who had been fasting for over two weeks at Fealgpi in the Kheroni area were reportedly picked up by police late Sunday night and moved from the protest site, a move that angered supporters.

Following this, demonstrators blocked roads, raised slogans and demanded the immediate release of those detained. By evening, the situation had deteriorated into a serious law-and-order crisis.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/west-karbi-anglong-unrest-kaac-chief-tuliram-ronghangs-house-torched-amid-eviction-protests-police-firing-injures-three

While addressing an event in Germany, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were being used by the BJP to target political opponents while sparing those aligned with the ruling party.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has launched an attack against the BJP, accusing it of “weaponising” the country’s institutional framework.

While addressing a gathering at the Hertie School in Berlin last week, he alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were being used by the BJP to target political opponents while sparing those aligned with the ruling party.

“There is a wholesale capture of our institutional framework. There is a full-scale assault taking place on the institutional framework of our country,” he claimed.

“Our intelligence agencies, ED and CBI have been weaponised. The ED and CBI have zero cases against the BJP and most of the political cases are against the people who oppose them,” Gandhi added.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha went on to say that if a businessman supports the Congress, they are threatened, alleging that India’s institutions are no longer functioning as they should.

Gandhi further said that the Congress helped build the institutional framework and the party never viewed it as “our own institution but of the country.”

“But this is not how the BJP sees it. They view the institutional framework as something that belongs to them. They use it as a tool to build political power.

Gandhi also said democracy is under attack and stressed the need to counter it, adding that “we will create a system of opposition resistance that will succeed. We are not fighting the BJP, but their capture of the Indian institutional structure.”

VOTE THEFT

The senior Congress leader once again alleged vote theft, claiming the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections were rigged in favour of the BJP – an accusation he has repeatedly made in the past.

“We have won elections in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh. We have been raising issues as far as the fairness of elections in India is concerned. I have done press conferences in India where we have clearly shown without a shadow of a doubt that we won the Haryana election and that we don’t feel the Maharashtra elections were fair,” he said.

He claimed the party had evidence of victory in Haryana and sought answers from the Election Commission over irregularities, including duplicate entries on voter lists, but received no response.

“We fundamentally believe that there is a problem with the electoral machinery in India,” he added.

CLASH BETWEEN TWO VISIONS

Rahul Gandhi also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic model, alleging that the BJP and the RSS have merely extended the policies of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh without offering a new direction.

He claimed that the PM Modi-led government’s economic approach has reached a dead end and can no longer deliver results.

Gandhi acknowledged that many people support PM Modi, but said a large section of Indians disagree with his ideology and vision for the country. He argued that this vision is flawed and risks creating deep social tensions.

“We think the vision will fail and it has tremendous problems. It will create massive tensions in India and make Indian people fight with each other. We will fight it. It is a clash between two visions in India.” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ed-cbi-weaponised-not-a-single-case-against-bjp-rahul-gandhi-germany-2840205-2025-12-23

The law enables private companies and joint ventures to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants under a license from the government.

President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, passed by Parliament during the Winter Session.

A government notification said that the President granted assent to the SHANTI bill on Saturday.

The Bill subsumes all laws dealing with the civil nuclear sector and also opens it up for participation by private players.

The SHANTI Bill repealed the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which had proved to be an impediment in the growth of the civil nuclear sector in India.

The law enables private companies and joint ventures to build, own, operate and decommission nuclear power plants under a license from the government.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/president-murmu-grants-assent-to-shanti-bill-that-opens-up-nuclear-sector-for-private-participation-3838913

Starting December 26, Indian Railways will implement a slight increase in passenger fares as part of a fare rationalization strategy aimed at addressing rising operational and manpower costs.

Train journeys in India are set to become marginally more expensive from December 26, after Indian Railways announced a revised passenger fare structure as part of a fare rationalisation exercise. The move aims to offset rising operational and manpower costs across the national transporter’s expanding network, said a TOI report.

According to Indian Railways, the revised fares are expected to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue during the current financial year.

CBI has arrested a Lieutenant Colonel and a private individual in a bribery case. The probe agency claimed accused Deepak Sharma was reportedly taking bribes from several private companies involved in manufacturing defence products for exports.

For months the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was working on source-based information which had tipped off that a Lieutenant Colonel was allegedly accepting bribes from private companies dealing in defense products.

Visuals from the Ghaziabad mall show the man applying sindoor (vermillion) to her forehead and later tying a mangalsutra around her neck.

A mall in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, turned into the scene of an unexpected spectacle when a young man dropped to one knee to propose to his girlfriend in front of the public. What truly caught attention, however, was what followed: the proposal did not end there, as he went on to marry her on the spot.

The visuals show the man applying sindoor (vermillion) to her forehead and later tying a mangalsutra around her neck. The incident is reported to have taken place at Gaur Central Mall, and the clip has since been widely shared online.

Man Proposes And Marries Girlfriend At Ghaziabad Mall

The footage begins with the young man going down on one knee to propose to his partner. She appears visibly surprised as people around them watch the moment unfold.

Several bystanders can be seen recording the moment on their phones. The woman says “yes” to the proposal and then kneels down as well. The scene takes an unexpected turn when the man does not take out a ring. Instead, he opens a small box containing sindoor (vermillion). As the woman kneels, he applies the sindoor to her forehead, an important Hindu ritual that symbolises marriage.

After applying the sindoor, the couple shares a hug as the crowd reacts with loud cheers and applause. Seconds later, the man reaches into his back pocket and takes out a mangalsutra. He ties it around the woman’s neck— another significant symbol associated with Hindu marriages.

Watch The Video Here

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Sunday said that no attempt was made to breach the fence of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi

In a clarification after protests outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Sunday said the government has urged that perpetrators of Dipu Chandra Das, Hindu man who was lynched to death in Bangladesh, be brought to justice.

He also said that no attempt was made to breach the fence of the High Commission.

“India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh. Our officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them our strong concerns at the attacks on minorities. We have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice,” said Jaiswal.

“We have noted misleading propaganda in sections of the Bangladesh media on the [High Commission] incident. The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on 20 December and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh,” said the statement.

“There was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. The police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Visual evidence of these events is available publicly for all to see. India is committed to ensure the safety of foreign Missions/Posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention,” he said.

Who is Dipu Chandra Das?

Dipu Chandra Das, 27, a garment factory worker, was lynched to death by an enraged mob in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, over allegations of blasphemy. He was tied up, killed and then his body was set afire while thousands of people watched, in a glaring display of lawlessness and mobocracy in Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus’ regime.

However, Mohd Samsuzzaman, a Company Commander of Rapid Action Battalion in Mymensingh, told The Daily Star that no evidence was found indicating that the deceased had written anything on Facebook that might have hurt religious sentiments.

Additionally, he said that local people or other workers of the garment factory could not point to any blasphemous activity either. “Everyone is now saying that they did not personally hear him (Dipu) say anything of that sort. No one has been found who claims to have heard or seen anything themselves hurting religion,” he told the outlet.

The official said as the situation became volatile in Bangladesh after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, Dipu Chandra Das was forcibly pushed out of the factory to protect the factory. He was then beaten to death by a mob with sticks and locally made weapons, and his body was hung from a tree and set on fire.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/urged-bangladesh-to-act-against-those-who-attacked-dipu-das-mea-slams-misleading-propaganda-ws-kl-9783946.html

A couple from Andhra Pradesh died after falling from a moving train in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana, on December 18, 2025. A video allegedly shows them arguing before the fall, raising questions about the incident. The clip, reportedly recorded inside the train shortly before the incident, appears to show the couple engaged in a heated argument. Railway police are investigating the incident.

A tragic incident involving a newly married couple from Andhra Pradesh has sparked widespread attention after a video allegedly showing them arguing moments before their deaths surfaced on social media. The couple died after falling from a moving train on the Vangapalli–Aler railway line in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana late on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

The deceased were identified as Korada Simhachalam (25) and his wife Bhavani (19), residents of Ravupalli village in Garugubilli mandal of Parvathipuram Manyam district. The two had been married for about two months. According to railway police, the couple had boarded the Machilipatnam Express at Secunderabad and were travelling to Vijayawada to visit relatives.

Initial police accounts stated that after the train crossed Vangapalli railway station in Yadagirigutta mandal, the couple was standing near the coach doorway when they accidentally fell from the moving train. The incident came to light early Friday morning when railway track maintenance staff noticed the bodies along the tracks and informed authorities. The remains were later shifted to a hospital for postmortem examination.

Viral Video Shows Couple Fighting In Train

Showing his concern over the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, Tharoor told newspersons in Patna that mob rule was prevailing in Bangladesh, adding that it was not good either for Bangladesh or India. He also questioned the country’s interim government on the steps being taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday warned that the “mob rule and instability” in Bangladesh could adversely affect both Bangladesh and India.

Mob Rule Not Good for India or Bangladesh, Says Congress MP

Showing his concern over the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, Tharoor told newspersons in Patna that mob rule was prevailing in Bangladesh, adding that it was not good either for Bangladesh or India. He also questioned the country’s interim government on the steps being taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

“Such mob rule should not prevail. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has also said that we want good relations with Bangladesh, and peace should be maintained there,” he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

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#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: On the situation in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, “Such mob rule should not prevail. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has also said that we want good relations with Bangladesh, and peace should be maintained there. Elections are also… pic.twitter.com/VB2xWAGr4m

— ANI (@ANI) December 20, 2025

Election Period Developments a Cause for Concern

 

Across India, battery recycling faces a mixture of challenges and opportunity as it plays an important role in the country’s shift to clean power.

A fledgling system has taken off in the past decade for recovering materials from the batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones and other consumer electronics. The valuable minerals these companies recover — such as lithium, cobalt and nickel — are then reused in India’s growing fleet of electric vehicles and solar power installations. Recycling and repurposing batteries is a key to reducing dependence on imports for hard-to-obtain metals.

“More than 40% of the country’s copper and aluminum needs are met by recycling scrap and we want to aspire for the same when it comes to lithium, cobalt and nickel,” said Rajat Verma, founder and CEO of Lohum Cleantech, a 7-year-old battery manufacturing and recycling company based in Noida near India’s capital New Delhi.

A formalized system can potentially create 100,000 green jobs and meet nearly 40% of the country’s demand for key minerals, according to a November study by the renewable energy think tank RMI. The report found that an industry around recycling and reusing batteries could be worth $9 billion as India’s battery demand skyrockets, mostly due to EVs.

“What’s exciting about these materials is it’s not like plastics. You can recycle them for perpetuity and they can still have material strength and the quality you need once you refine them,” said Marie McNamara, a manager with RMI’s India program who was one of the authors of the report.

But the system faces challenges. India currently has 60,000 tons of battery recycling capacity, but not all of it is used because supply chains are still being developed to supply the recovered materials to factories. One reason for this is that most of India’s waste recycling is done by informal workers — estimated to be as many as four million, who deal with a variety of scrap materials beyond batteries and work without any formal contracts.

Gaps between policy and implementation

India is among the highest emitters of planet-heating gases as the world’s most populous nation provides power for billions of people. At the same time, its clean energy sector has grown rapidly, led by adoption of solar power and electric vehicles.

India’s government passed battery waste management rules in 2022 that mandate environmentally safe disposal and management of battery waste. But given the largely informal nature of scrap recycling in India, experts and recycling companies said the rule has been poorly implemented so far. Recycling in an environmentally friendly way is another challenge.

The rules mandate producers meet specific collection and recycling targets for various battery types. The rules include heavy fines for violators. However, there are no specific outlets for discarded batteries and each company has to set up their own systems for recycling. Experts said a lack of a well-structured recycling industry makes it difficult for companies to implement the rule.

Jaideep Saraswat, an energy expert with New Delhi-based Vasudha Foundation, said India has moved “surprisingly fast from a policy perspective,” but the right battery recycling supply chain is still missing.

How battery recycling works

A typical electric car battery is about 1.5 meters (5 feet) long, weighs up to 400 kilograms (882 pounds) and is usually designed to last for at least 160,000 kilometers (99,400 miles) which is usually reached after 8 to 12 years of use. Up to 90% of an EV battery’s contents can be extracted after use if recycled properly.

Recycling processes vary, but two common means are “shredding” battery modules into fine powder using machines or smelting them in industrial furnaces. The products of these processes are often then processed using acids or other chemicals to recover specific metals.

Alternatively, discarded batteries can be repurposed to store excess solar and wind energy for homes and small shops. Repurposing involves testing the battery for defects and cleaning its components before it is sold for reuse.

Toxic contaminants are at times dumped illegally by recyclers, which can cause environmental pollution, said Nishchay Chadha, CEO of U.S.-based ACE Green recycling, which has operations in India.

If not done properly, recycling lithium batteries can emit carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases. The recycling process also usually produces wastewater containing heavy metals that can contaminate soil and water if improperly disposed.

“We’ve not expanded much in India because we don’t see much appreciation for clean operations, whether it’s lead or lithium,” he said.

RMI’s McNamara urged India to set up training programs to help scrap workers transition to more formal jobs. She said the government at the federal and state level should also provide support to the businesses who can hire these workers.

“Formalization will really help drive safety and accountability, especially considering that batteries are both defined by their toxicity as well as their potential,” she said.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-batteries-renewable-energy-lithium-4da14cab7a5c340349a98f7a002fade5

Satadru Dutta, the main organiser of Lionel Messi’s event in Kolkata, has indicated that the arrival of an influential individual disrupted the program.

Satadru Dutta, the arrested main organsier of Lionel Messi’s event in Kolkata, has told investigators that the entrance of “one particular influential person” in the stadium derailed the entire program, which eventually resulted in chaos. During prolonged questioning by officers of the Special Investigation Team (SIT), Dutta revealed that the football icon was “unhappy with being touched or hugged” during his appearance at the Salt Lake Stadium and left before staying there full-time as scheduled.

Messi “did not like being touched on the back or being hugged” and that concern had been conveyed in advance by the foreign security officials responsible for the footballer’s protection, he said, sources told PTI.

“Despite repeated public announcements to restrain the crowd, there was no impact. The manner in which Messi was surrounded and embraced was completely unacceptable to the World Cup-winning footballer,” Satadru Dutta told investigators during his grilling on Friday, the source said.

Responding to whether India needs more than one Jaishankar, S Jaishankar said the premise was flawed, stressing that nations are defined by leadership and vision, drawing a parallel with Lord Hanuman serving Ram.

Does India need more than one Jaishankar? Responding to the question, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the premise itself was flawed, drawing a parallel with Lord Hanuman to underline the primacy of leadership and vision in defining a nation’s direction.

Speaking at the Diplomacy to Discourse session at the Pune Literature Festival on Saturday, Jaishankar said the question should instead focus on leadership. “You should have asked me: there is one Modi. Because ultimately, Shri Hanuman finally serves,” he said, adding that countries are shaped by leaders, their vision and confidence, while others execute that mandate.

Jaishankar said the current international order resembles coalition politics, with constantly shifting alignments and no single dominant power bloc. In such a multipolar world, he stressed, India must remain agile and make choices based strictly on national interest.

“There is no majority of anyone. Combinations are formed, deals are struck, and partners change depending on the issue,” he said, adding that India must have the flexibility to work with different countries simultaneously without being locked into rigid alliances. His guiding principle, he said, is simple: whatever helps India.

The external affairs minister said managing India’s foreign relations has become significantly more complex over the past five years. Engagement with the United States requires constant recalibration, ties with China remain difficult, and reassuring Russia has become challenging amid pressure linked to the Ukraine war.

Jaishankar said bringing Japan into play has also grown more complicated as Tokyo moves at its own pace, while Europe has emerged as an increasingly important partner requiring deeper engagement.

On India’s neighbourhood, Jaishankar said relations are shaped by asymmetry and volatile domestic politics in neighbouring countries. Smaller nations closely linked to India often oscillate between praise and criticism, making it difficult to keep ties steady.

Despite this, he said, India has consistently acted as a first responder. He cited assistance to Sri Lanka during a recent cyclone, vaccine supplies to neighbouring countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, and support with fuel and fertilisers when global supply chains were disrupted by the Ukraine conflict.

India, he said, must behave like the head of a family, taking responsibility for regional stability even when differences arise.

On whether India should speak out on global issues, Jaishankar said silence can lead to marginalisation in a multipolar world. At the same time, diplomacy demands judgement on when to assert and when to exercise restraint.

“If you don’t speak, the world will suppress you. It is important to raise your voice when required,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/does-india-need-more-than-one-s-jaishankar-hanuman-parallel-foreign-policy-pune-literature-festival-2839201-2025-12-20

At least 35 children were injured when a school bus returning from a picnic overturned after hitting a divider in Jammu.

At least 35 children were injured in a road accident near Bishnah in Jammu on Saturday when a school bus they were travelling in overturned after hitting a divider.

The incident occurred on the ring road while the children were returning from a picnic. The school bus lost balance after striking the road divider.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/35-children-injured-as-school-bus-overturns-on-way-back-from-picnic-in-jammu-2839206-2025-12-20

PM Modi said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was aimed at safeguarding democracy by preventing infiltrators from entering the electoral process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the Congress, accusing the party of undermining Assam and the Northeast during its decades in power and of protecting infiltrators at the cost of the region’s security and identity.

Addressing a public rally in Guwahati after inaugurating the new terminal at the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport, PM Modi said the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was aimed at safeguarding democracy by preventing infiltrators from entering the electoral process.

He alleged that those opposing the exercise had questionable intentions. “Deshdrohis opposing SIR want to shield infiltrators,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the Centre was taking strict steps to stop infiltration.

PM Modi claimed that the Congress had never prioritised the development of Assam and the Northeast.

He alleged that during its rule, infiltrators were allowed to occupy forests and land, posing a serious threat to the state’s security and cultural identity.

According to him, the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam are now correcting mistakes made over several decades.

Highlighting what he described as the BJP’s “double-engine government” model, the Prime Minister said development in Assam was progressing without obstruction, likening it to the uninterrupted flow of the Brahmaputra river.

Expressing his personal connection with the state, PM Modi said his attachment to Assam continues to inspire him, adding that the state and the wider Northeast are fast emerging as gateways to India’s overall development.

“Every state and every region has an important role to play in the mission of a developed India,” he said.

Later in the evening, the Prime Minister led a massive roadshow in Guwahati on the first day of his two-day visit to Assam.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/deshdrohis-opposing-sir-want-to-shield-infiltrators-pm-modi-targets-congress-in-assam-9783376.html

The accident took place around 3:00 pm on Saturday while Fatehi was on her way to perform at the Sunburn Festival.

Actor and dancer Nora Fatehi met with a car accident in Mumbai after a drunk driver rammed into the vehicle she was travelling in, an incident she later described as “very scary” and “traumatic,” saying the impact flung her across the car and caused her to smash her head against the window.

The accident took place around 3:00 pm on Saturday while Fatehi was on her way to perform at the Sunburn Festival. Mumbai Police said an intoxicated driver hit her car, following which she was taken to a nearby hospital for first aid.

Police confirmed that Fatehi did not sustain serious injuries and that her condition was stable. A case was registered against the accused driver, who was taken into custody.

Later, Fatehi posted a video on her Instagram story detailing the incident and its impact on her. She said a drunk person driving under the influence smashed into her car and that the collision was severe. Describing the moment of the crash, she said the force of the impact flung her across the vehicle and caused her head to hit the window.

“I am here to tell you that I am okay. I was in a very serious car accident. A drunk person smashed my car and unfortunately, the impact was quite severe and it flinged me across the car, I smashed my head on the window.”

The actor said she survived the accident with minor injuries and swelling. “I am alive and I am well except for some minor injuries and swelling like concussion. I am okay…,” Fatehi said.

Calling the experience deeply distressing, she said it was a terrifying and traumatic moment, adding that she saw her life flash in front of her eyes.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/mumbai-news/very-scary-traumatic-actor-dancer-nora-fatehis-car-hit-by-drunk-driver-in-mumbai-9856793?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

The Court transferred the case to Lucknow after noting the complainant’s claim that Gandhi’s supporters were not allowing the complainant to argue the case in Raebareli court.

The clip captured countless dirty and crumpled food wrappers, empty drinking bottles and cans, as well as boxes of takeaway food crammed in almost every corner of the room.

Some basic courtesies are non-negotiable. For example, before checking out of a hotel, it is your responsibility to ensure that the room is not a mess. Switching off appliances, folding towels neatly, arranging the bed and disposing of trash properly are some unspoken rules that guests must follow. However, a man in China ignored these etiquettes to such an extreme that it not only shocked the hotel staff but also sparked discussion on social media.

A video of the hotel’s deplorable condition is circulating widely on X. According to a report by The Sun, the guest was a compulsive online gamer who had booked a stay at the accommodation in Changchun for two years. As per the housekeeping staff, he hardly came out of the room.

Disturbing Hotel Room Visuals Go Viral

The stomach-churning clip captured countless dirty and crumpled food wrappers, empty drinking bottles and cans, as well as boxes of takeaway food crammed in almost every corner of the room. Two gaming chairs and a table peeked from underneath the pile of waste lying all over the ground. The bathroom was equally appalling, with hundreds of sodden toilet paper and discarded items scattered on the floor, covering the lavatory and the washbasin. Adding to the disgusting visuals was the fact that a thick layer of grime also accumulated everywhere.

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Man checks out from a hotel in China after two years

This is how the hotel room was found…pic.twitter.com/BwZHjx5Jtg

— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) December 18, 2025

The extensive clean-up process, followed by disinfecting the room, took three days, claimed The Sun. Even then, the hotel management revealed that there was visible damage, which would require in-depth renovation work before the room is reopened to guests. The hotel grants stays to Esports players, equipped with computer gaming equipment, fast internet and dedicated gaming chairs.

Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/china-gamer-leaves-hotel-after-2-years-chair-buried-under-toilet-paper-video-aa-ws-l-9781320.html

 

PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of two National Highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crores in West Bengal’s Nadia district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on Saturday (December 20) to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate national highway projects at Ranaghat in Nadia district. He will also address a public gathering on the occasion.

PM Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of two National Highway projects worth around Rs 3,200 crores, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. He will also inaugurate the 66.7 km-long 4-Laning of the Barajaguli – Krishnanagar Section of NH-34 in Nadia.

The projects will serve as a vital connecting link between Kolkata and Siliguri, as per the statement. They will help to reduce travel time by approximately 2 hours, ensuring faster and smoother movement of vehicles for unhindered traffic flow, reduced vehicle operating costs, and improve connectivity between Kolkata and other neighbouring districts of West Bengal, as well as with neighbouring countries.

Modi’s visit comes as West Bengal is gearing up for Assembly elections in 2026, with tensions running high between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). These tensions have particularly escalated after the Election Commission conducted the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, removing around 58 lakh names from the draft voter list.

After concluding his visit in West Bengal, PM Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Assam on Saturday, where he will undertake a walkthrough and inaugurate the New Terminal Building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/pm-modi-visit-west-bengal-nadia-national-highway-projects-connectivity-assam-latest-updates-ws-kl-9781860.html

Delhi Air Pollution: The Union environment ministry said that monthly review meetings would be held from January 2026 to assess action plans prepared by states.

Delhi continued to reel under heavy pollution on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) staying in the “very poor” category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI stood at around 376–380, while visibility dropped sharply across several parts of the city. Early morning, areas such as the Barapullah flyover showed a thick layer of toxic smog blanketing the national capital.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked all measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to curb pollution levels.

On Saturday morning, Delhi’s air quality remained poor to severe at several locations, with AQI recorded at ITO (433), Anand Vihar (428), Jahangirpuri (425), Ashok Vihar (412), DTU (411), Chandni Chowk (410) and Dwarka Sector 8 (409), while IGI Airport T3 (321), IIT (332), Lodhi Road (336), Mandir Marg (344) and Aya Nagar (298) also reported high pollution levels.

Centre directs visible improvement within a week

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has directed authorities to ensure a visible improvement in air quality within one week. Chairing a review meeting with officials from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Yadav stressed the need to maintain momentum in pollution-control measures as air quality continues to deteriorate.

“This is the fourth review meeting in recent weeks. Strict action must be taken against defaulters, but the general public should not face unnecessary inconvenience,” Yadav said. He added that corrective actions must be implemented immediately, with another review planned after 15 days.

Monthly reviews from January 2026

The Union environment ministry said that monthly review meetings would be held from January 2026 to assess action plans prepared by states. These meetings will focus on addressing implementation gaps through coordinated efforts between neighbouring states at the highest level.

The ministry issued directions to improve traffic management at 62 identified traffic hot spots across the NCR. Authorities were also asked to promote the use of electric and CNG buses for employees of corporate offices and industrial units.

Traffic, transport and infra measures

To reduce congestion during peak hours, staggered office timings for government offices, shopping malls and commercial complexes were suggested. The Centre also asked Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida to fast-track the Integrated Smart Traffic Management System (ITMS).

Yadav emphasised coordination with Metro rail authorities to improve last-mile connectivity. He also directed civic bodies to remove encroachments causing traffic bottlenecks within 10 days and ensure pothole-free roads through proper annual maintenance contracts. Drainage systems must also be improved to prevent damage during the monsoon.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-aqi-remains-very-poor-centre-sets-one-week-ultimatum-to-authorities-to-improve-air-9781868.html

Sharing his observations on Priyanka Gandhi, Kiren Rijiju said her presentation was balanced and more acceptable compared to other Opposition members, noting that she maintained control over her speech and did not create any problems through her remarks.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday said he was upset with Opposition parties for creating chaos and confusion even after initiating the debate on air pollution, and for not allowing their lead speaker on the issue, Priyanka Vadra Gandhi, to speak.

Speaking to India Today TV, Rijiju said, “It was listed in the name of Priyanka Vadra Gandhi. And she was to be their lead speaker. They themselves curtailed her chance to speak. Now, I don’t want to draw any political conclusions on how the Congress party disrupted Priyanka Gandhi’s chance to speak on pollution.”

Rijiju then went on to say that the Congress derailed the discussion on pollution by climbing on chairs and tables, behaving in an “absolutely uncivilised and undemocratic” manner.

Sharing his observations on Priyanka Gandhi, Rijiju said her presentations during the Winter Session were balanced and more acceptable compared to other Opposition members, noting that she maintained control over her speech and did not create any problems through her remarks. He added that he appreciated her approach and the manner in which she conducted herself during the presentation.

When asked whether it was easier for him, as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, to deal with Priyanka and Sonia Gandhi than Rahul Gandhi, Rijiju said Priyanka was slightly more engaged in terms of the exchange of views and ideas.

“She listens. That is what I have observed,” he told India Today TV.

Coming back to the ruckus in Parliament over deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Rijiju said the entire day had been earmarked for a detailed discussion on pollution, with time already allocated. However, he alleged that the Congress suddenly climbed onto chairs and tables, disrupted parliamentary proceedings and created a ruckus.

Looking back at the Winter session, he pointed out that the Opposition had demanded eight hours of discussion on the Shanti Bill and G Ram G, and the government had agreed, even expressing readiness to sit through the night or carry the discussion into the next day.

Drawing a contrast with his time in the Opposition, Rijiju said that the UPA government earlier often curtailed debate, whereas the current government was willing to allow as much time as sought.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kiren-rijiju-says-congress-didnt-allow-priyanka-on-pollution-praised-her-balance-2838856-2025-12-20

A collision between a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express and a herd of elephants in Assam’s Nagaon district resulted in the deaths of at least seven elephants and the derailment of the train’s engine and five coaches.

At least seven wild elephants were killed after a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express collided with a herd crossing the railway tracks in Assam’s Nagaon district early Saturday, leading to the derailment of the locomotive and five coaches and causing major disruption to rail services in the region.

The tragic incident occurred at around 2:23 AM in the Jamunamukh Kampur section under the Lumding Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The Sairang New Delhi Rajdhani Express (Train No. 20507/08) was passing through the area when it struck a herd of elephants that had wandered onto the tracks near Kampur, about 126 km from Guwahati.

According to preliminary information, the herd was crossing the railway line when the high-speed train rammed into them. While at least seven elephants died on the spot, a baby elephant sustained critical injuries. Local residents claimed that the herd consisted of around eight elephants.

Railway officials said the loco pilot spotted the elephants on the track and immediately applied emergency brakes. However, despite the effort, the elephants reportedly dashed into the train, resulting in a powerful collision that led to the derailment of the engine and five coaches. The location of the accident is not a designated elephant corridor, officials added.

Fortunately, no passenger casualties or injuries were reported. Passengers from the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths available in other coaches of the train. Railway sources said that once the train reaches Guwahati, additional coaches will be attached to accommodate all passengers, after which the Rajdhani Express will resume its onward journey to New Delhi.

Following the accident, railway officials and accident relief trains rushed to the site to carry out rescue and restoration work. However, train services to Upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast were significantly affected due to the derailment and the presence of elephant carcasses and debris scattered across the tracks.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/rajdhani-express-derails-after-hitting-herd-of-elephants-in-assam-seven-tuskers-killed-article-153320269

India’s exports to China rose nearly 90% year-on-year in November, reaching $2.2 billion, with an overall increase of 33% for the April-November period.

India’s exports to China surged nearly 90% year-on-year in November, reaching $2.2 billion. For the April–November period, exports were up 33% at $12.2 billion. On the surface, the numbers look encouraging—but a new report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) cautions against reading this as a genuine turnaround in India–China trade.

According to GTRI, the growth is driven by a narrow set of products and remains volatile, while imports from China continue to surge, keeping the trade relationship heavily skewed, said a TOI report.

The biggest contributor was naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock. Exports of naphtha jumped 172% between April and October, with some individual months seeing spikes of over 500%, as Chinese demand rose sharply.

Electronics also saw unusual jumps: printed circuit board exports shot up 8,577% in October, while mobile phone components rose 82%. In contrast, traditional exports such as iron ore and shrimp either declined or grew only marginally.

GTRI describes the trend as one of “sharp contrasts”, noting that India’s exports to China tend to swing wildly based on Chinese demand cycles, pricing shifts, and policy changes—rather than reflecting sustained competitiveness or diversification from India.

Imports, meanwhile, underline the deeper concern. Nearly 80% of India’s imports from China are concentrated in four categories—electronics ($38 billion from January to October), machinery ($26 billion), chemicals, and plastics. High-dependence items like smartphones, laptops, batteries, and solar cells dominate, making substitution difficult in the short term.

Looking at the full year, GTRI estimates India’s exports to China at about $17.5 billion, still well below the $23 billion peak in 2021. Imports are projected at around $123.5 billion, implying a record trade deficit of roughly $106 billion by Indian estimates. Chinese data suggests the gap could be even wider, closer to $115 billion.

The report also flags data mismatches, with India recording lower imports than what China reports as exports—raising concerns about possible under-invoicing to evade duties.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/why-india-should-worry-about-its-90-exports-jump-to-china-gtri-explains-article-153317476

The Court asked the Centre to ensure implementation of expert-recommended conservation measures, including undergrounding and rerouting power lines in key habitats across Rajasthan and Gujarat with 2 years.

The Supreme Court on Friday issued a series of conservation measures for the protection of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and Lesser Florican, two critically endangered bird species facing extinction due to power infrastructure and loss of habitat [MK Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors.].

A Bench of Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar accepted the recommendations of an expert committee and ordered that all key measures be implemented within two years.

The Court observed that the issue was not merely about conserving a species but about reconciling environmental protection with India’s renewable energy transition.

It said both objectives must be pursued together “without sacrificing one at the altar of the other.”

No discussions were held under Rule 193 or Rule 184, which enable debates on urgent public issues, and none of the 76 notices submitted under Rule 184 were admitted.

The Winter Session of Parliament concluded on Friday, December 19, recording a total sitting time of 92 hours and 25 minutes, even as repeated disruptions led to the loss of 18 hours and 59 minutes due to interruptions and forced adjournments. To compensate, both Houses extended proceedings by 28 hours and 17 minutes beyond the originally scheduled time.

VB-G RAM G BILL PASSED

The session was marked by the passage of several key legislations, most notably the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, which seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The new law promises 125 days of wage employment annually for rural households and triggered strong opposition protests in both Houses.

Despite demands from opposition parties to refer the bill to a Parliamentary Standing Committee, the government pushed it through after debate, passing it by voice vote in the Lok Sabha and later in the Rajya Sabha.

The bill’s passage, however, was marred by scenes of protest, including slogan shouting, tearing of bill copies, and a walkout by opposition members in the Rajya Sabha, alleging the legislation would harm the rural economy.

SHANTI BILL GETS PARLIAMENT NOD

The session also witnessed the passage of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, a significant policy shift that opens India’s atomic energy sector to private participation.

The move was described by the government as essential for boosting capacity, technology infusion, and long-term energy security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the passage of the legislation, calling it a “transformational moment” in India’s growht story.

OTHER KEY LEGISLATIONS PASSED

Among other legislations cleared were the Health Security-cum-National Security Cess Bill, the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, the Appropriation Bill, and the Repealing and Amending Bill.

In total, 10 government bills were introduced during the session, of which eight were passed.

On the education front, the Lok Sabha resolved to refer the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, which proposes setting up a higher education commission, to a joint committee of Parliament.

Moved by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

The joint committee will comprise 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, and is expected to submit its report by the end of the first part of the 2026 Budget Session.

The proposed commission, chaired by a presidential nominee, would subsume multiple regulators and cover all central universities and institutions, including IITs and IIMs.

Despite the legislative output, the session underscored constraints in Parliament’s oversight role.

THE QUESTION HOUR

Question Hour saw limited engagement, with only 72 of 280 starred questions answered orally. Opposition MPs flagged this decline, noting that oral questions allow supplementary queries and real-time accountability.

No discussions were held under Rule 193 or Rule 184, which enable debates on urgent public issues, and none of the 76 notices submitted under Rule 184 were admitted.

Private Members’ Bills also remained marginalised, with 137 introduced but none taken up for discussion or passage.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vb-g-ram-g-bill-viksit-bharat-guarantee-shanti-bill-passed-winter-session-parliament-protests-2838843-2025-12-19

The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha with a voice vote, hours after the Lok Sabha cleared it.

The Parliament has passed the new VB-G RAM G Bill that will replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA on Thursday. The bill was passed as the Rajya Sabha continued till midnight amid protests and walkouts from the opposition.

The new bill guarantees 125 days of wage employment every year, with Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserting that it was needed to fix shortcomings in the old scheme.

Bill passed amid opposition protests

Several members of the opposition staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha during the passage of the Bill after calling for its withdrawal and raising slogans against the ruling NDA government.

The opposition parties also sat on a dharna outside the Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament complex against the new bill.

In response to the opposition’s protest and allegations against the bill, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Chouhan accused the Congress of “killing” the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi several times and using his name to further political gains.

Chouhan added that during the UPA’s rule, MGNREGA was riddled with corruption.

What is the VB-G RAM G Bill?

Amid the backlash, the Centre has asserted that VB-G RAM G Bill will enhance the statutory wage employment guarantee to 125 days in every financial year for unskilled worker, against MGNREGA’s 100 days.

Source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/parliament-passes-new-vb-g-ram-g-bill-to-replace-mgnrega-amid-opposition-walkout-101766086029025.html

The children were administered HIV-infected blood during transfusions at government facilities in Satna

What began as routine, life-saving treatment for five children suffering from thalassemia has turned into one of the gravest public health failures Madhya Pradesh has witnessed in recent years. An NDTV investigation has established that these children were administered HIV-infected blood during transfusions at government facilities in Satna — an incident that not only raises questions of negligence but points to a deeper, systemic collapse of blood safety, surveillance, and accountability.

NDTV has learnt that the affected children, all dependent on regular transfusions to survive, were given a total of 189 units of blood, sourced from three different blood banks. In the process, they were exposed to blood from over 150 donors, significantly widening the window of risk. The district-level inquiry has now concluded that HIV reached the children through donor blood, confirming a catastrophic breach in screening protocols meant to be infallible.

The Department of Public Health and Family Welfare has taken strict action in the case, suspending a blood bank in-charge and two lab technicians and issuing a show-cause notice to the former Civil Surgeon of Satna District Hospital. Dr Manoj Shukla, the former Civil Surgeon, has been instructed to submit a written explanation and warned of strict departmental action if the explanation is not satisfactory.

The action against him, as well as Dr Devendra Patel, Pathologist and Blood Bank In-charge, and lab technicians Ram Bhai Tripathi and Nandlal Pandey, was taken on basis of preliminary investigation report of a seven-member inquiry committee constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. Yogesh Bharsat, IAS (CEO, Ayushman Bharat).

The timeline of events reveals a troubling pattern of silence. The first HIV-positive case among these children surfaced in March this year.

By April, multiple children had tested positive. Yet, NDTV learnt, for several months thereafter, this information did not reach or was not formally acknowledged by the hospital administration or the district authorities. During this period, no emergency audit of blood banks was initiated, no public alert was issued, and no preventive steps were taken to stop further exposure.

The first red flag emerged on March 20 when a 15-year-old thalassemia patient tested HIV positive. Between March 26 and 28, two more children were found infected. On April 3, a fourth case surfaced. Shockingly, despite these confirmations, the hospital administration and district authorities allegedly remained unaware or silent for nearly nine months.

Behind these failures are families living with irreversible consequences. Speaking to NDTV, the father of one of the affected girls described the human cost of the lapse. He said his daughter was diagnosed with thalassemia at the age of nine and has since depended entirely on blood transfusions to survive. The family learnt about her HIV infection only three months ago.

“Where do I complain? What will happen?” he asked, struggling for answers. His daughter needs transfusions three times a month — three units every eight days. Though she is on medication, he said it is not suiting her. “She vomits, becomes lethargic, and keeps falling ill,” he told NDTV, capturing the helplessness now shared by multiple families.

Sources involved in the investigation have told NDTV that while plasma used by the hospital is procured through a contracted agency that conducts a three-layer testing and immediately alerts the hospital if infection is detected, the platelets were processed and used locally. Investigators are now examining whether platelets subject to weaker local oversight could have been the source of the HIV infection, a possibility that exposes a dangerous loophole in the system.

The state government maintains that the matter was detected internally. Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla told NDTV that the case was uncovered by officials within the health system. He said transfusions do not always take place at a single centre and that patients often move between government hospitals, private clinics, relatives, and donor-linked blood banks depending on circumstances. However, this explanation has only intensified questions about why a coordinated response was not triggered earlier, despite confirmed HIV cases.

Hospital authorities insist protocols were followed. Manoj Shukla, Chief Medical and Health Officer, said notices were issued to the Programme Officer and ICTC Counsellor and claimed that donor lists and records were available. He acknowledged, however, that deficiencies were observed at the programme officer’s level an admission that underscores gaps in monitoring rather than closing them.

Accusing the government of suppressing information, the opposition has termed the incident criminal negligence.

Congress leader Dr. Vikrant Bhuria told NDTV that contracting HIV through blood transfusion in 2025 cannot be an accident. He alleged that blood screening failed, testing protocols were violated, and the surveillance system collapsed.

He pointed out that only 125 out of nearly 250 donors could be traced, exposing severe lapses in record-keeping. According to him, HIV-positive reports surfaced in March-April, yet the matter remained buried for months.

The tragedy is compounded by the socio-economic reality of the victims. The affected children come from poor families, already burdened by the cost and emotional toll of thalassemia. They now face lifelong anti-retroviral treatment, social stigma, and financial hardship, with no clarity yet on compensation, long-term care, or state responsibility.

This crisis unfolds in a state already grappling with a serious HIV burden.

Madhya Pradesh has over 70,000 HIV patients, an adult prevalence rate of 0.10 per cent, and injecting drug user prevalence at 4.20 per cent. Seven districts have been classified as high-risk. In such a scenario, even a single breach in blood safety has consequences far beyond individual cases, it becomes a public health emergency.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/5-children-get-hiv-in-madhya-pradesh-from-donated-blood-2-doctors-suspended-9843050

“We have seen such incidents earlier here as well. During my election, people may have forgotten that Mehbooba Mufti got a legitimate voter’s burqa removed inside a polling station. This is a continuation of the same mindset. That was unfortunate and equally shameful, and so is this incident,” Abdullah said on Wednesday.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used the controversy surrounding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the hijab issue as an opportunity to hit out at his political rival Mehbooba Mufti, raking up an old incident involving the latter.

Abdullah alleged that the Bihar Chief Minister was “showing his true colours” as a partner of a communal party by pulling down a woman doctor’s veil. He also claimed that Mufti had done the same in the past.

See more

#WATCH | Mumbai: On Bihar CM Nitish Kumar viral hijab row, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says, “Forget that she was a Muslim woman, that she was wearing a hijab; how can it ever be right to lay hands on any woman in this manner, to touch her clothes?… What… pic.twitter.com/25ZTw3WscZ

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

“We have seen such incidents earlier here as well. During my election, people may have forgotten that Mehbooba Mufti got a legitimate voter’s burqa removed inside a polling station. This is a continuation of the same mindset. That was unfortunate and equally shameful, and so is this incident,” Abdullah said on Wednesday.

He was referring to a 2004 incident in which Mufti had lifted a woman’s veil. After facing criticism, she defended herself, saying she was trying to establish the voter’s identity, as veils are often misused to cast bogus votes.

Nitish Kumar sparked a major controversy this week when he yanked the veil off a Muslim woman doctor who had come to receive her appointment letter at a public ceremony.

“If the Bihar chief minister did not want to give her the appointment order, they could have simply set her aside. But humiliating her like that is completely unacceptable,” Abdullah said.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, took a sarcastic jab at Abdullah’s remarks. PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan said, “He should be calling out Modi, who is their coalition partner, and asking him to withdraw support from this government. Instead, he is going after Mehbooba Mufti and others. Comparing her attempt to verify a voter’s identity with what Nitish Kumar did shows Abdullah’s real intentions.”

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/mehbooba-mufti-also-got-burqa-removed-says-omar-abdullah-amid-nitish-hijab-row

 

Sourav Ganguly has lodged a complaint threatening a Rs 50 crore defamation suit against Uttam Saha, founder of the Argentina Football Fan Club.

Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a complaint with Kolkata’s Cyber Crime Branch threatening a Rs 50 crore defamation lawsuit after the Kolkata event of football icon Lionel Messi ended in chaos. Ganguly has filed the complaint against Uttam Saha, founder of the Argentina Football Fan Club in Kolkata, for allegedly linking him to the Salt Lake Stadium mess.

The notice, sent to Uttam Saha, who claims to be president of the Argentina football fan club, said he has “deliberately, recklessly, and with malice published and circulated a video interview with a Bengali news portal on social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, wherein the Argentina fan club founder made false, scandalous, defamatory, and per se libelous statements concerning Sourav Ganguly,” ET Online reported.

The complaint was filed at Lalbazar and alleged that Saha’s allegations have harmed Ganguly’s reputation without any factual basis.

In his video, Saha reportedly called Satadru Dutta, the event organiser, a “stooge” of Sourav Ganguly. He reportedly claimed that Ganguly played a role in Messi’s visit and was the middleman between the organiser and the Argentine.

“Serious allegations are being made publicly without any factual basis,” Ganguly said in his complaint.

While Ganguly was present at the stadium during Messi’s visit, he wasn’t involved in the organsiation process.

The Bombay High Court premises in the Fort area of South Mumbai were evacuated on Thursday after receiving an email warning of a bomb.

Along with the High Court, several magistrate courts in Mumbai, specifically those at Bandra, Andheri and Esplanade (Killa Court), also received similar threats, prompting large-scale security checks, the police said.

A senior official of Mumbai Police assured citizens there was no need to panic and confirmed that the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) had conducted thorough searches across all affected premises.

No explosives were found and the threats are being treated as hoax with investigations underway to trace the sender.​

Sources told Bar & Bench that once the Bandra court received the email, the standard operating procedure for bomb threats was immediately activated and the entire premises were evacuated.

A similar procedure was followed at the Andheri Magistrate court and police will be registering cases against unidentified persons.

At the principal bench of the Bombay High Court, the Chief Justice, lawyers, litigants and court staff were asked to leave the premises.

An internal message circulated by the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) and the Advocates’ Association of Western India (AAWI) stated that the court would reconvene at 3 pm once the police had completed their safety checks.

The BBA also requested its members and their staff to vacate the High Court building and cooperate with the police and High Court administration in view of the security concerns.

The communication indicated that further updates would follow upon clearance by the authorities.

An email warning of a bomb was also received by the Principal District and Sessions Court in Nagpur on Thursday.

Source : https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/bomb-threats-trigger-evacuations-at-bombay-high-court-and-courts-in-mumbai-nagpur

Belgium’s Court of Cassation has denied Mehul Choksi’s appeal against extradition to India, affirming a lower court’s conclusion that he would not face significant risks of injustice or torture.

Belgium’s top court has rejected fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s appeal against India’s extradition request, endorsing a lower court’s finding that he faces no real risk of denial of justice, torture or inhuman treatment if sent back to India.

In an order released Wednesday, the Court of Cassation upheld the view of the Indictment Chamber of the Antwerp Court of Appeal, which had ruled that Choksi failed to show a “real, present and serious risk” of being subjected to “flagrant denial of justice” or to torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in India. The court also imposed costs of 104 euros on Choksi.

The ruling clears a major legal hurdle for India in its efforts to extradite Choksi, a key accused in the nearly Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Choksi had challenged the lower court’s decision by citing what he described as an attempted kidnapping from Antigua, media reports, findings of Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF), and concerns over receiving a fair trial in India. The Belgian court found these arguments insufficient.

Interpol’s CCF had removed Choksi’s name from its Red Notice list in November 2022 following his appeal. The CCF is a separate body that is “not under the control” of the Interpol Secretariat and is staffed mainly by elected lawyers who review complaints against Interpol decisions.

The Court of Cassation also rejected Choksi’s claim that Belgian prosecutors withheld information related to the CCF’s findings from the pre-trial chamber of the Antwerp district court. It found no fault in the Indictment Chamber’s reasoning, which had upheld a November 29, 2024 order declaring arrest warrants issued by a Mumbai special court in May 2018 and June 2021 as “enforceable”.

The court noted that the Indictment Chamber was not required to respond to every argument individually and that its rejection of Choksi’s defence did not amount to a failure of justice. It further agreed that legal provisions allowing refusal of extradition on grounds of possible torture did not apply in this case.

Choksi fled India in early January 2018, days before the PNB fraud was detected. Investigators allege he siphoned off about Rs 6,400 crore. At the request of India’s Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Interpol issued a Red Notice against him in December 2018.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/big-setback-for-mehul-choksi-as-belgiums-highest-court-backs-india-on-extradition-article-153309282

The panel cautioned that India’s ability to carry out such targeted analysis is severely constrained by the absence of a comprehensive national cancer database

A parliamentary panel has flagged a worrying rise in cancer cases in India’s northeast, warning that the country lacks basic data needed to understand why some regions are reporting significantly higher cancer incidence than others.

The parliamentary standing committee on science and technology, environment, forests and climate change said India still does not have a clear picture of how many people are living with cancer – a gap that weakens efforts to design targeted prevention, treatment, and early detection strategies.

In its latest report, accessed by News18, the parliamentary committee flagged the “significantly higher incidence reported in the northeastern region of India” and said it is essential to examine whether certain ethnic groups in the region may be genetically predisposed to specific types of cancers.

“The committee believes that it is essential to examine whether the ethnic groups of the northeast are genetically predisposed to specific types of cancers,” the report stated.

To address this, it recommended that the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) collaborate with the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), “which has been conducting extensive work in population and cancer genomics”. It said such collaborative research should aim to “identify genomic signatures and risk factors unique to the North-Eastern population”, adding that these insights will be critical for “developing tailored cancer therapies, targeted prevention methods and early detection strategies for the northeastern population”.

The committee, however, cautioned that India’s ability to carry out such targeted analysis is severely constrained by the absence of a comprehensive national cancer database. It noted that there is no system that records every cancer case across the country and that most available estimates are based on limited and fragmented data.

ONLY 19% OF INDIA COVERED BY CANCER REGISTRIES

According to the report, “the committee notes with serious concern that India still does not have a nationwide, population-based cancer registry”.

“At present, the 52 population-based cancer registries and approximately 243 hospital-based cancer registries together cover only about 19% of the country’s population,” it said. “In the absence of a national-level database, it is impossible to accurately assess the true burden of cancer in the country.”

The panel pointed out that existing statistics are largely derived from extrapolations based on partial data. It said it was “particularly worrying” that a country with an advanced medical system like India lacks a unified national cancer registry, while many other countries maintain comprehensive nationwide databases.

Citing global examples, the report noted that “NORDCAN maintains cancer statistics for the Nordic countries, namely, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, providing a consolidated picture of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and survival rates”.

PUSH FOR NATIONWIDE CANCER REGISTRY

The parliamentary panel recommended to the ministry of health and family welfare to establish a nationwide population-based cancer registry, with districts designated as nodal units. It added that district-wide and state-wide registries should feed into a centralised national registry at the Union level.

“Maintaining a unified national database will provide an accurate and real-time picture of cancer incidence, prevalence, mortality and survival. This, in turn, will significantly strengthen evidence-based policymaking and program interventions for the prevention and control of cancer,” it said.

CANCER NOT A NOTIFIABLE DISEASE IN INDIA

The panel highlighted that cancer is not a notifiable disease in India, meaning hospitals and doctors are not legally required to report cancer cases to public health authorities.

The report stated that “hospitals and healthcare providers are presently under no legal obligation to report cancer cases to public health authorities because cancer is not a notifiable disease”. It noted that “making cancer a notifiable disease will result in capturing the incidence and pattern of cancer throughout India in a more comprehensive manner”, allowing data to be available at a granular level including districts.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/cancer-spike-in-northeast-exposes-indias-lack-of-basic-data-on-the-disease-parliamentary-panel-ws-l-9777060.html

Delhi faces severe smog with AQI at 356. Anand Vihar tops at 415, followed by Vivek Vihar, Jahangirpuri, Rohini, ITO, Mundka, Ashok Vihar.

A thick layer of toxic smog continued to blanket parts of the national capital on Thursday, with visuals from the Najafgarh area showing severely reduced visibility and a persistent haze hanging over roads and residential localities.

According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s Sameer app, Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 356 in the ‘very poor’ category, as of 6:00 am on Thursday.

See more

#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from the Najafgarh area as a layer of toxic smog continues to blanket the national capital.

AQI here is 284, categorised as ‘poor’ as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) has invoked all actions… pic.twitter.com/ve7xM01rN3

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

Anand Vihar recorded the highest AQI at 415 in the ‘severe’ category, followed closely by Vivek Vihar (410), Jahangirpuri (405), Rohini (400), ITO (399), Mundka (398) and Ashok Vihar (395). The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Najafgarh was recorded at 284, placing it in the ‘poor’ category.

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#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals around Anand Vihar area as a thick layer of toxic smog engulfs the national capital.

AQI (Air Quality Index) around the area is 415, categorised as ‘severe’, as claimed by CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).

CAQM (Commission for Air Quality… pic.twitter.com/0rQCBzHvRG

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 to 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 ‘poor’, 301 to 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 ‘severe’.

Train Delayed

Dense fog continued to disrupt rail services on Thursday morning, with at least 22 trains approaching New Delhi Railway Station running behind schedule over the next three hours.

As of 7 am, several long-distance trains were significantly delayed, including the Shramjeevi Express, which was running late by 2 hours and 48 minutes, the Jammu Rajdhani by 1 hour and 33 minutes, and the Tamil Nadu Superfast by over an hour. The Mahabodhi Express, Malwa Express, and Bihar Sampark Kranti were each delayed by more than four hours, reflecting the widespread impact of low visibility conditions on train operations.

Delhi Limits Office Attendance

With stricter pollution curbs in place across Delhi, the Labour Department on Tuesday announced work-from-home norms for government offices and compensation for construction workers impacted by the prolonged suspension of construction activities under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

As per the department’s decision, only 50 percent attendance will be allowed in offices and business establishments across the national capital starting December 18, while the remaining staff will work from home. Offices have also been asked to introduce flexible working hours.

The Delhi government has also suspended physical classes for students from nursery to Class 5. While parents earlier had the option to choose between online and offline learning, students in these grades will now continue classes from home.

Source : https://www.news18.com/cities/new-delhi-news/delhi-wakes-up-to-toxic-smog-aqi-remains-very-poor-as-visibility-drops-across-several-areas-ws-l-9777105.html

 

The Manipur Police in a statement this evening said a first information report (FIR) has been filed “in connection with the indiscriminate firing by Kuki armed groups at Torbung last night”

Hundreds of people who had been living in relief camps in Manipur’s valley areas for over two years returned to their village near the foothills in Bishnupur district on Monday. District officials accompanied them as they walked toward the structures they once called home – most of them dilapidated – and which they haven’t seen since May 2023.

On Tuesday night, 24 hours into the effort to rebuild their lives, the villagers heard the sound of automatic gunfire coming from the hills. They had to leave again.

The Border Security Force (BSF) fired back a few warning rounds in retaliation minutes after the sound of gunfire first came from the direction of the hills at 8.30 pm, sources said. No one was injured.

While no group or individual claimed responsibility, the villagers who are from the Meitei community alleged Kuki gunmen fired at them to scare them into leaving the area. They alleged that on Wednesday morning they found small craters in their fields where crude mortar rounds (locally known as pumpi) fell.

The Manipur Police in a statement this evening said a first information report (FIR) has been filed “in connection with the indiscriminate firing by Kuki armed groups at Torbung last night.”

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In connection with the indiscriminate firing by Kuki armed groups at Torbung last night, FIR has been registered for further investigation in this regard.
Security has been beefed up in and around the area, and joint security forces are carrying out intensive combing operations… pic.twitter.com/qldIbBUw0b

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) December 17, 2025

The village in Bishnupur is near the inter-district border with Churachandpur, where the Kuki tribes are dominant. This area saw intense violence at the peak of the ethnic conflict in 2023.

The firing incident came just days after President Droupadi Murmu’s two-day visit to Manipur, and her appeal for peace, understanding, and reconciliation in the state where, according to her, “the hills and the valley have always complemented each other”, and whose “strength lies in its diversity, its culture, languages, and traditions.”

‘Security Failure Under President’s Rule’

Meitei and Kuki civil society organisations in statements blamed each other’s community for creating the situation.

The Kuki Zo Council (KZC) cited the need for a solution to their demand for a separate administration before anyone from any community can return home.

The Meitei Alliance, Meitei Heritage Society, and the umbrella body of the state’s Meitei civil society organisations COCOMI cited violation of constitutional rights of citizens with impunity in front of central forces and amid the President’s rule.

The Manipur Police’s statement that mentioned “indiscriminate firing by Kuki armed groups” and the FIR filed over the matter made it obvious who fired at the villagers from the hilltops, the Meitei civil society organisations said.

The KZC, which has been in talks with the central government for carving a separate ‘Kukiland’ from Manipur, said the Bishnupur deputy commissioner supporting the resettlement of Meitei IDPs (internally displaced persons) is “deeply irresponsible and provocative”.

“… The Kuki-Zo Council rejects any attempt to blame the Kuki-Zo for tensions arising from unilateral administrative actions and violations of buffer-zone protocols… Peace will come only through a political solution. The government of India must recognise the reality that the Kuki-Zo people have been effectively separated from Manipur and accord them a separate administrative arrangement that they rightfully deserve,” KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong, who was with the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) earlier before the KZC took lead in talks with the Centre, said in a statement on Wednesday.

No other Kuki organisation gave a statement on the incident.

The Meitei Alliance, an influential global umbrella body of the Meitei community, in a statement said the incident sent a dangerous signal that armed extremist forces can operate with impunity, even under central administration, and that peace declarations remain meaningless without enforcement on the ground.

“This attack was a deliberate, organised, and premeditated act of terror as part of the wider ethnocentric politics that caused the Manipur crisis, carried out with the clear intent to instil fear, sabotage reconciliation, and violently prevent displaced citizens from exercising their fundamental right to return to their homes,” the Meitei Alliance, which has been engaged in talks with other communities like a section of the Thadou tribe led by tribal leader Michael Lamjathang Thadou for co-existence in a pluralistic Manipur, said in the statement.

“The timing of the attack – occurring immediately after a high-level security review by the Director General of Police and under the direct administration of President’s rule – represents a grave and alarming failure of governance, intelligence, and civilian protection,” the Meitei Alliance said.

The Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) said the “timing and nature of the attack clearly indicate a deliberate attempt to create fear, panic, and insecurity among resettled IDPs and to sabotage any effort by the government to facilitate resettlement, restore normalcy, and ensure peace.”

“As has been evident, the ongoing Manipur crisis has been systematically orchestrated by a handful of militant groups, aided by proxy politicians and certain civil society organisations, to destabilise Manipur and undermine India’s sovereignty… We are shocked, but not surprised, to see certain self-styled Chin-Kuki CSO groups denouncing the resettlement process, an initiative that any right-thinking group would welcome. This stance reaffirms their role as proxies of divisive forces and complete disregard for repeated calls from their own IDPs who are yearning to return to their homes,” the MHS said in a statement.

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Our Press Release: Meitei Heritage Society condemns attack on Meitei settlements in Torbung (Bishnupur District); Demands Immediate Action against Chin Kuki Armed Groups.

The attack is particularly alarming, as Meitei Internally Displaced Persons had resettled in
the area… pic.twitter.com/4SyR7qRViQ

— Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) December 17, 2025

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which has also held talks with the Home Ministry over the Manipur crisis, alleged the KZC statement was “public justification of violence.”

“What exacerbates this grave situation is the public statement issued by Ginza Vualzong, a leader of the Kuki-Zo Council, in which he allegedly: justified and rationalised the attack, offered inflammatory allegations, and made statements likely to provoke further unrest and incite violence.

“COCOMI views such public defence of armed violence as an affront to constitutional values and democratic norms. Statements that morally endorse terroristic acts threaten public safety, embolden armed actors, and may constitute criminal incitement and abetment under Indian law.

It alleged that armed groups continue to operate with apparent impunity in Churachandpur, a district in southern Manipur categorised as a hill area and where the Kuki tribes are dominant. The COCOMI said leaders who publicly justify violence face no visible deterrents, and there is a growing perception of selective enforcement, undermining public confidence in the rule of law and the impartial application of justice as envisaged by the Constitution.

The Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence began over a range of issues such as land rights and political representation. Over 260 have died in the violence and nearly 50,000 have been internally displaced.

The 10 MLAs from the hill districts, the multitude of civil society organisations, and the two dozen insurgent groups under the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement have all come on the same stage in demanding the break-up of Manipur in the form of a separate administration.

While both communities have stopped fighting, Kuki tribe organisations have not expressed confidence of returning to the valley, citing their lived experiences of the May 2023 violence. Because of this condition, they have also not agreed on allowing Meitei IDPs to return to their homes and villages in Kuki-dominant districts.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manipurs-displaced-people-try-to-rebuild-lives-amid-gunfire-from-the-hills-9834958

 

“If one has come to take an appointment letter, why should she be scared of showing her face? Don’t you have to show your face when you go to vote?” Giriraj Singh said.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, facing massive criticism after he was seen pulling down the hijab of a woman and exposing her face at a public event, has found another champion — the BJP’s Union minister Giriraj Singh.

“What’s wrong with what he did?” Singh shot back at reporters today when asked about the matter. “If one has come to take an appointment letter, why should she be scared of showing her face? Don’t you have to show your face when you go to vote?” he added.

At an event to distribute appointment letters to over 1,200 AYUSH doctors on Tuesday, Kumar was initially seen speaking to the doctor who had a veil on. Then he was seen pulling down the veil, as Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary tried to stop him.

As criticism was heaped on him by the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, the Janata Dal United struggled to explain the situation.

Kumar’s party colleague and the Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan said, “Nitish ji just showed love to a Muslim daughter. He wanted society to see the face of the girl after she became successful in life”.

Accusing the Opposition and Muslim leaders of trying to defame the Chief Minister, he said those criticising him must know that he has given the country’s daughters the utmost respect.

Next, NDA ally Nishad party leader and Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad piled on the outrage with his crass comment defending Kumar.

Speaking to a local news channel, Nishad questioned what would have happened if Kumar had “touched somewhere else”.

“Arey, woh bhi toh aadmi hain na, peeche nahi padna chahiye. Naqab chhoo diya toh itna ho gaya…kahin aur chhoo dete toh kya ho jaata (He is a man being after all. One should not hound him like this. If touching the ‘hijab’ caused such an uproar, what would have happened if he had touched elsewhere),” he had told Bharat Samachar.

The RJD and the Congress have questioned the mental health of the 74-year-old Chief Minister.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/whats-wrong-with-it-union-minister-giriraj-singh-jumps-to-nitish-kumars-defence-9834786

 

The Indian prime minister called for a strategic relationship with Ethiopia Wednesday during his first visit to the country, one of Africa’s most populous.

“The Global South is writing its own destiny, and India and Ethiopia share a vision for it,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told parliamentarians during a special address.

“Our vision is of a world where the Global South rises not against anyone, but for everyone; a world where development is fair, where technology is accessible, and where sovereignty is respected,” he added.

The leaders signed a number of memorandums of understanding and promised to cooperate on the training of United Nations peacekeepers, education, and the establishment of a data center at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They also pledged to help Ethiopia navigate its mounting international debt under the G20 Common Framework and to combat terrorism.

Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Ethiopia’s highest civilian honor, the “Great Honor Nishan Ethiopia,” by his Ethiopian counterpart, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He was the first foreign head of state to receive the recognition.

“We will walk together as equals, build together as partners, and succeed together as friends,” Modi said.

Ethiopia became a full-fledged member of the BRICS grouping of countries last year, joining nations such as Iran and Egypt, as it seeks new partnerships after emerging from a two-year civil war in its northern province of Tigray. India is set to host the 18th BRICS summit next year.

Source : https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-india-narendra-modi-abiy-ahmed-6b74528d827fd280f6ea8f5bc3aad5b5

 

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off on Wednesday owing to poor visibility after a dense layer of smog engulfed the Ekana Stadium raising serious questions about BCCI’s scheduling of matches in northern part of India during peak winter month.

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off on Wednesday owing to poor visibility after a dense layer of smog engulfed the Ekana Stadium raising serious questions about BCCI’s scheduling of matches in northern part of India during peak winter month. The venues allotted for the full series against the Proteas included New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Lucknow, Ranchi, Raipur, Visakhapatnam, Cuttack, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and Kolkata during November and December. It is also a period when pollution levels in the host cities like Lucknow, New Chandigarh and Dharamsala are usually at its worst.

The fourth T20I was officially abandoned without a ball being bowled due to “excessive fog”, the reality was that a thick blanket of smog enveloped the Ekana Stadium, severely hampering visibility.

“The fourth India-South Africa T20I is called off due to excessive fog,” said the BCCI in its last update.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the hazardous range, above 400 in Lucknow on Wednesday, raising serious questions about the BCCI’s commitment to players’ welfare.

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a surgical mask to counter the pollution while the Indian team warmed up ahead of the game.

Fans on social media questioned the BCCI’s decision to host the match in Lucknow.

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Who organised match in Lucknow ??

Have some sh@me BCCI 🤡 #INDvsSA

pic.twitter.com/9CSgXzyhWx

— Veena Jain (@Vtxt21) December 17, 2025

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Lucknow’s fog didn’t save anyone—BCCI’s silence raised more questions than answers. pic.twitter.com/sznqpVT9T2

— Arun Shukla🇮🇳 (@arun_shukla__) December 17, 2025

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BCCI is expecting cricketers to play here. 🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/cYkCrbWih9

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 17, 2025

The match, scheduled to start at 7 pm, was eventually called off at 9:30 pm after the sixth inspection although it was more of a formality with everyone present well aware that visibility was only going to get worse as the night progressed.

The players had abandoned their warm-up session by 7:30 pm and returned to the confines of their dressing rooms. By 9 pm, the sizeable crowd that had braved the cold conditions had also begun to thin out.

BCCI vice-president and lifelong Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association’s spiritual boss Rajeev Shukla walked out to the middle during one of the inspections but his body language after speaking to match officials indicated disappointment.

With no reserve day in place, both teams will now fly to Ahmedabad for the final T20I on Friday, with India leading the series 2–1.

While the BCCI follows a rotational policy when allotting venues, the board could have considered swapping venues with the white-ball series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin January 11.

The ‘Men in Blue’ are set to face New Zealand for a white-ball series at venues across western and southern India — Vadodara, Rajkot, Indore, Nagpur, Raipur, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram with just one match scheduled in the northeastern city of Guwahati.

Matches held at most north zone venues have historically been affected by weather conditions during the winter months.

Last week, the third T20I was played in sub-10-degree temperatures in Dharamsala, set in the lap of the snow-clad Dhauladhar range.

Post the game, India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who hails from Tamil Nadu, admitted that the conditions were particularly challenging for him.

Source : https://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-south-africa-2025-india/have-some-shame-bccis-scheduling-blasted-after-india-vs-sa-4th-t20i-called-off-due-to-dense-smog-in-lucknow-9834415

 

Football icon Lionel Messi was gifted an ultra-rare Richard Mille watch, valued at RS 10.91 crore, by Anant Ambani during his visit to Vantara. The limited-edition RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon Asia Edition is one of only 12 globally. Messi also participated in traditional Hindu rituals at the conservation centre.

Lionel Messi’s recent visit to India turned heads not only for its cultural and humanitarian significance but also for an extraordinary luxury moment that quickly became the talking point of the trip, a watch worth Rs 10.91 crore reportedly gifted to the football icon by Anant Ambani.

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🇮🇳⌚️ During his visit to India, Lionel Messi received an ultra-rare Richard Mille RM 003 V2 “Asia Edition” as a gift from Anant Ambani.

This watch is one of Richard Mille’s early and most iconic models, which estimated market value is $1.1 million. pic.twitter.com/r4r1lZYG2K

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 16, 2025

During Messi’s visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, the Argentine legend was spotted wearing an ultra-rare Richard Mille timepiece midway through the engagement. Observers noted that Messi had arrived without a watch, only to later be seen sporting a Richard Mille RM 003-V2 GMT Tourbillon ‘Asia Edition,’ a limited-edition masterpiece with just 12 pieces ever produced worldwide. The watch, featuring a black carbon case and a skeleton dial, is priced at USD 1.2 million, approximately Rs 10,91,68,020.

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The luxury gesture instantly drew global attention, symbolising the close bond between Messi and Anant Ambani. Adding to the moment, Anant Ambani himself was seen wearing one of the most exclusive watches ever made, the Richard Mille RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon, a piece unique creation valued at USD 5 million, approximately Rs 45.59 crore.

Highlights Of Messi’s Vantara Visit

While India marks December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate the defeat of Pakistani forces in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Dhaka celebrates March 26 as its Independence Day. It precedes the defeat of Pakistani forces by 10 months. So, what’s the history and logic behind it?

On December 16, every year, India celebrates Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces that resulted in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, and the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. However, across the border in Bangladesh, December 16 is not marked as the Independence Day, but as Victory Day. Bangladesh marks March 26 as its Independence Day. The day is celebrated around 10 months ahead of India’s Vijay Diwas or Bangladesh’s Victory Day.

There is history and reason as to why Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on March 26, and not on December 16, the day of the surrender of Pakistani forces that led to the creation of the new nation in 1971.

Indian forces launched military operations in East Pakistan in December 1971, which was part of the Mukti Juddho (the War of Liberation) of Bangladesh.

This is the story behind Bangladesh’s Independence Day. But first, a bit about the road to Liberation.

HOW PAKISTANI EXCESSES TRIGGERED BANGLADESH LIBERATION WAR

Despite being more populous and economically productive, East Pakistan, then a province of Pakistan, was treated as a second-class region. It faced the imposition of Urdu, limited representation in the Pakistani Parliament and the armed forces, chronic underinvestment, and the syphoning of its resources to West Pakistan.

Tensions peaked after the 1970 elections, when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League won a clear majority in the national polls. This victory entitled Rahman to form the government in Islamabad. Unwilling to accept the mandate, military dictator Yahya Khan launched Operation Searchlight to crush dissent in East Pakistan.

Backed by Razakars and militia groups, the Pakistani Army carried out a brutal crackdown on Awami League leaders, Bengali intellectuals, Hindu religious minorities, and the Mukti Bahini. The violence killed hundreds of thousands and triggered a massive refugee crisis, with around 10 million fleeing to India.

DECLARATION OF BANGLADESH INDEPENDENCE AND THE START OF THE LIBERATION WAR

On March 25, 1971, Pakistani forces began Operation Searchlight, with troops and tanks fanning out across Dhaka, massacring students and intellectuals in Dhaka University, attacking civilians across Dhaka, and crushing any resistance put up by local police and units of the East Bengal Rifles.

In response, on March 26, 1971, just after midnight, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sent a message to his people about Pakistani atrocities in Dhaka, and declared the independence of Bangladesh through a telegram sent to Chittagong just before he was arrested by Pakistani commandos. The telegram said, “This may be my last message. From today, Bangladesh is Independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh, wherever you might be and with whatever you have, to resist the army of occupation to the last”.

In Chittagong, Mujibur’s message was received by Awami League leader Mohammed Abdul Hannan and defecting Pakistani military officer Major Ziaur Rahman. The declaration was broadcast on the same day by Hannan from a radio station in Chittagong, declaring that, “Today, Bangladesh is a sovereign and an independent country”.

The next day, on March 27, Ziaur also broadcast the proclamation of Bangladeshi Independence, declaring, “I, Major Ziaur Rahman, on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hereby declare that the independent People’s Republic of Bangladesh has been established”.

Soon after, the Bangladesh War of Liberation began, and would go on for nine months until Indian military intervention, which lasted more than two weeks, dealt Pakistani forces the final blow. Following that, AAK Niazi, Pakistan’s military commander stationed in Dhaka, signed the instrument of surrender on December 16, 1971.

WHY BANGLADESH MARKS INDEPENDENCE DAY ON MARCH 26

While this is the historical context, there are several other reasons why Bangladesh chose March 26, and not December 16, to commemorate its Independence. The country does celebrate December 16 as its Victory Day, focussing on the victory of the allied Indian-Bangladeshi forces over their Pakistani enemies.

That said, it is also worth noting that on December 16, 2024 and 2025, Dhaka observed the day with relatively muted enthusiasm, following the fall of the regime of PM Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Like in 2024, this year too, there were no special parades in Dhaka to commemorate the day, unlike the ones during the Awami League regime.

By marking March 26 as its Independence Day, Bangladesh asserts that its freedom was not merely the outcome of a military campaign, but because of popular will and sustained civilian resistance. The day, thus, symbolises the moment when sovereignty was claimed by the people themselves.

This idea has been asserted by several Bangladeshi leaders.

“On this day in 1971, the freedom-loving people of this country joined hands and launched an armed struggle against the Pakistani occupying forces to free the motherland from the chains of subjugation,” Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-uz-Zaman, said on March 26 this year.

Similarly, Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin also said, “The emergence of an Independent and sovereign Bangladesh took place with the declaration of independence on March 26, 1971. Then, the final victory was achieved through a long nine-month bloody War of Liberation”.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vijay-diwas-december-16-pakistan-surrendered-to-india-why-bangladesh-marks-independence-day-march-26-2836911-2025-12-16

Vantara founder Anant Ambani hosted global football icon Lionel Messi at the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre, where the football legend’s time was marked by guided tours, traditional rituals and close interactions with wildlife.

Global football icon Lionel Messi paid a special visit to Vantara, the wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation centre founded by Anant Ambani, where age-old Indian traditions blended seamlessly with a modern, science-driven approach to animal welfare.

At Vantara, initiatives traditionally begin with seeking blessings in accordance with Sanatana Dharma, which emphasises reverence for nature and respect for all living beings. Messi’s visit reflected this ethos as he participated in traditional Hindu rituals, observed wildlife up close and interacted with caregivers and conservation teams, embodying the humility and humanitarian values for which he is widely admired.

Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi was welcomed in grand traditional style with vibrant folk music, a shower of flowers symbolising blessings and purity of intent, and a ceremonial aarti. The Argentine great also took part in a Maha Aarti at the temple, including Ambe Mata Puja, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja and Shiv Abhishek, offering prayers for world peace and unity in keeping with India’s timeless philosophy of harmony with nature.

Messi then embarked on a guided tour of Vantara’s vast conservation ecosystem, home to rescued big cats, elephants, herbivores, reptiles and fostered young animals from across the world. He also visited the green energy complex and the world’s largest refinery complex, expressing admiration for the scale, vision and sustainability underpinning the operations.

At the Big Cat Care Centre, Messi interacted with lions, leopards and tigers thriving in enriched, naturalistic environments, many of whom approached him with curiosity. His tour continued at the Herbivore Care Centre and the Reptile Care Centre, where he observed animals flourishing under specialised veterinary care, customised nutrition and advanced husbandry protocols that have positioned Vantara as a global leader in wildlife welfare. He later visited the multi-speciality wildlife hospital, witnessing real-time clinical and surgical procedures, before feeding okapis, rhinos, giraffes and elephants. From a global perspective, Messi also praised the commitment of India’s prime minister to advancing wildlife care and conservation across the country.

At the Foster Care Centre, dedicated to orphaned and vulnerable young animals, Messi learned about stories of resilience and recovery. In a touching moment, Anant Ambani and Radhika Ambani together named a lion cub “Lionel,” a gesture symbolising hope and continuity in honour of the football legend.

The highlight of the visit came at the Elephant Care Centre, where Messi met Maniklal, a rescued elephant calf saved along with his ailing mother, Prathima, from harsh labour in the logging industry two years ago. In a heartwarming scene, Messi joined Maniklal in an impromptu football enrichment activity, demonstrating the universal language of play. The calf responded enthusiastically, delighting onlookers and creating one of the most memorable moments of Messi’s India visit.

Responding in Spanish after Anant Ambani thanked him for visiting Vantara and inspiring compassion towards animals and humanity, Messi said, “What Vantara does is truly beautiful—the work for animals, the care they receive, the way they are rescued and looked after. It is genuinely impressive. We had a wonderful time, felt completely at ease throughout, and it is an experience that stays with you. We will surely visit again to continue inspiring and supporting this meaningful work.”

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/lionel-messi-visits-vantara-wildlife-centre-indian-traditions-modern-conservation-2836961-2025-12-16

Jaishankar, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday on a two-day visit, made the remarks while addressing the press alongside Israeli counterpart Gideon Moshe Sa’ar here.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday condemned the terror attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, saying that India and Israel both have a policy of “zero tolerance” against terrorism.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday on a two-day visit, made the remarks while addressing the press alongside Israeli counterpart Gideon Moshe Sa’ar here.

“Let me first of all convey our very, very sincere, deep condolences at the loss of life due to the terror attack at Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi beach. I want to say that we condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” Jaishankar said.

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Pleased to meet FM @gidonsaar of Israel in Jerusalem today.

Conveyed deepest condolences on terror attack on Hanukkah celebrations and reiterated our steadfast resolve in combating the shared challenge of terrorism.

Held productive discussions on our Strategic partnership and… pic.twitter.com/0mSLhpmmFD

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 16, 2025

He thanked Israel for its support of India in its fight against terrorism.

At least 15 people were killed and 40 others injured in the attack by two gunmen – identified as 50-year-old Indian national Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old Australian son Naveed Akram – on a gathering during the Jewish festival Hanukkah by the Sea celebration on Sunday.

While Akram migrated to Australia 27 years ago, he carried an Indian passport.

“Where India and Israel are concerned, we are both countries who have a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We appreciate your consistent support to our fight against terrorism and all its forms and manifestations,” Jaishankar said.

He said that they will be discussing a strategic partnership between the two countries, which has “really developed very significantly in the last decade.” “It has a G2G dimension, a B2B dimension, and one P2P between people as well. And I would say there really are a very large number of domains today that our relationship touches in one form or the other,” he said.

Jaishankar said that India and Israel are “very complementary partners, and we must make the most of that.” He also reiterated India’s support for the Gaza peace plan and expressed hope that it will lead to a lasting and durable solution.

Later, in a post on social media, Jaishankar said he conveyed deepest condolences to his Israeli counterpart on the terror attack on Hanukkah celebrations and reiterated our steadfast resolve in combating the shared challenge of terrorism.

“Held productive discussions on our Strategic partnership and its further advancement across various domains. Also exchanged perspectives on regional developments, the Gaza Peace Plan and efforts to achieve lasting and durable peace,” he said in a post on X.

His visit comes as preparations are underway for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed trip to India.

Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke recently over the phone, after which the Israeli leader said the two would be “meeting very soon”.

During his stay, Jaishankar would also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

“The discussions will revolve around bilateral and regional issues with a view to further deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries,” a source here told PTI.

Jaishankar arrived in Tel Aviv from Abu Dhabi, where he participated in the high-profile Sir Bani Yas Forum. He also attended the 16th India–UAE Joint Commission Meeting and the 5th round of the India–UAE Strategic Dialogue held on December 15.

Netanyahu’s much-anticipated visit to India is expected to follow a series of high-level exchanges between the two sides.

Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz, Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Avi Dichter and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich visited India earlier this year as the two countries build momentum towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

India and Israel inked a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) during Smotrich’s visit to New Delhi in September, followed by the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the proposed FTA during the visit of Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal to Israel last month.

In the defence sector, the two countries last month inked a landmark agreement to enhance defence, industrial, and technological cooperation, enabling the sharing of advanced technology to promote co-development and co-production.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-israel-share-zero-tolerance-policy-against-terrorism-s-jaishankar-condemns-sydney-bondi-beach-terror-attack-9829138

 

“This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it,” said Manjinder Singh Sirsa

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa blamed the Aam Aadmi Party for the pollution in the city and declared it is “impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9-10 months”. “This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it,” he said.

“I apologise for the pollution in Delhi,” he added, claiming that the BJP government is “doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day”.

AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj responded soon. “Who carried out this scam @mssirsa? Why were you stealing the credit for Delhi’s clean air during the rainy season? Didn’t Kejriwal come to mind back then? Now that you’re exposed, you’ve started making excuses?” read a rough translation of his Hindi post on X.

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ये फर्ज़ीवाड़ा किसने किया था @mssirsa ?

बरसात के मौसम में दिल्ली की साफ़ हवा का क्रेडिट क्यों चुरा रहे थे ?

तब केजरीवाल नहीं याद आया ?

अब एक्सपोज़ हो गए तो बहाने शुरू ? https://t.co/AAEARZoRLD

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) December 16, 2025

The minister’s remarks came as the national capital remained in the “very poor” AQI category – a change from the “Severe” that was in place from December 13 to 15.

Delhi’s overall AQI currently stands at 381. Wazipur has recorded the highest AQI at 434, followed by Jahangirpuri at 430. Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar also in the severe category as per data by the Central Pollution Control Board.

In November, the “Severe” AQI prevailed for days – from November 11 to 26 according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board.

The prevailing pollution has sparked a massive political face-off between the AAP and the ruling BJP.

AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj has questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not spoken about pollution yet. The Congress has demanded an immediate discussion on air pollution in the Lok Sabha.
The row intensified as the Singapore government issued an advisory for its citizens in India.

Saurabh Bhardwaj posted the advisory on social media platform X. “Chachi brings International Embarrassment for India. Singapore High Commission warns its citizens against Delhi Pollution,” its caption read.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor said this is a “normal thing — whenever pollution rises, all governments issue advisories to their citizens and diplomats”.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manjinder-singh-sirsa-delhi-aqi-in-delhi-ministers-apology-for-pollution-a-barb-for-aap-9826283

 

Bengal SIR: Voters whose names are missing or marked for deletion can file claims and objections within the prescribed period.

The Election Commission of India has published the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal after completing a month-long Special Intensive Revision exercise, a move that can spark a fresh political debate in the state.

Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Commission has removed around 58 lakh names from the draft voter list as part of the revision aimed at cleaning up the rolls and removing errors and duplicate entries. The scale of the deletions is expected to draw strong political reactions in the coming days.

According to official figures, about 24 lakh voters were marked as deceased, while 19 lakh were shown as having relocated to other areas. Another 12 lakh names were categorised as missing, and nearly 1.3 lakh were flagged as duplicate entries. The Election Commission said the exercise was carried out to improve accuracy and credibility of the voter list, though opposition parties are likely to closely scrutinise the process and its findings.

The Commission said the exercise was carried out to ensure accuracy and remove duplicate or ineligible entries from the rolls.

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Draft Electoral Roll is published today.
Do not miss out on checking your name in the draft Voter List.#SIR #DraftVoterList@ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @PIBKolkata @AIRKolkata pic.twitter.com/mxzCRungQS

— CEO West Bengal (@CEOWestBengal) December 16, 2025

Voters whose names are missing or marked for deletion can file claims and objections within the prescribed period. The Election Commission has urged citizens to check the draft rolls carefully to avoid being left out ahead of future elections.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/eci-releases-draft-electoral-rolls-for-west-bengal-after-sir-exercise-9772528.html

 

The ‘death trap’ was operating on land that was originally a salt pan — an ecologically sensitive zone, as marked in government records.

The documents accessed by CNN-News18 expose the reality of the now infamous and disputed land on which Birch by Romeo Lane was illegally constructed in Goa. The ‘death trap’ was operating on land that was originally a salt pan — an ecologically sensitive zone, as marked in government records.

A closer examination of the map reveals that this is the very area where the restaurant/nightclub run by the Luthra brothers was set up.

Document 1: Map of the Location

CNN-News18 has learnt that the map, which is the layout plan of the property in question, establishes that the entire region is classified by the Goa government as an ecologically sensitive zone. This means the land cannot be converted into a settlement zone under existing land-use rules. The area shown as a settlement zone on the map was originally declared a salt pan.

Conclusively, this land was never meant to be used for any commercial activity. It was originally owned by Pradeep Ghadi Amolkar, who is also the whistleblower and petitioner in this case.

Documents 2 & 3: Complaint and Demolition Notice

Document 2: The complaint submitted to the Town Planning Department is dated December 18, 2023 (18.12.2023). The contents of the complaint highlight four major irregularities and violations occurring on the ecologically sensitive land by the two respondents. It clearly states that the area is a no-development zone and warns that such construction could lead to a major tragedy.

 

The award was conferred upon Prime Minister Modi in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday was conferred with Ethiopia’s highest award, ‘The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia’, by his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

The award was conferred upon Prime Minister Modi in a special ceremony hosted at the Addis International Convention Centre on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the award for his exceptional contribution towards strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and for his visionary leadership as a global statesman, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi.

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ጥልቅ የሆነውን 🇮🇳 – 🇪🇹 የሥልጣኔ ትስስር የሚያስታውስ ክብር።

ጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር @narendramodi በህንድ እና በኢትዮጵያ መካከል ያለውን የሁለትዮሽ ግንኙነት ለማጠናከር እና በራዕያዊ አመራራቸው ላበረከቱት ልዩ አስተዋጽኦ፤ በጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ዶ/ር… pic.twitter.com/XrS5f2XWvO

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) December 16, 2025

Prime Minister Modi is the first global head of state/head of government to receive this award.

“I’m honoured to be conferred with the ‘Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia.’ I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India,” Modi posted on X.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi noted that it was an honour for him to accept the award from one of most ancient civilisations of the world, and he did so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude, the statement said.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy and the people of Ethiopia for this honour.

He also expressed appreciation for the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy and his initiatives to promote national unity, sustainability, and inclusive development, the statement said.

Underlining the salience of knowledge for nation building, Prime Minister Modi stated that it was a privilege for Indian teachers for over a century now to contribute towards Ethiopia’s progress and development, it said.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-becomes-1st-head-of-government-to-receive-ethiopias-highest-award-9828457

 

Two CoBRA commandos were injured in a pressure-activated IED blast during an anti-Naxal operation in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. The joint team from CRPF and state forces was conducting a search when the explosion occurred. The commandos received first aid and were hospitalized; their injuries are minor. The incident underscores ongoing Maoist threats in the area.

In an incident highlighting the persistent threat of Naxalite tactics in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, two commandos from the Central Reserve Police Force’s (CRPF) elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit have sustained minor injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast.

Details

The explosion occurred on Monday in the dense forests of the Pillur-Kandlaparti area under Farsegarh police station limits in Bijapur district, a known Naxal-affected zone.

A joint team comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) — both state police units — and CoBRA commandos was conducting an area domination and anti-Naxal search operation when the team inadvertently triggered a pressure-activated IED planted by Maoists.

According to police officials, the blast took place as the patrolling team was cordoning off the forest area. A quick response from fellow personnel ensured the situation was brought under control immediately.

The injured CoBRA commandos received first aid on the spot before being airlifted or transported to a hospital in Raipur, the state capital, for advanced treatment.

The injured personnel are stable and out of danger, with injuries described as minor, the officials said.

Security forces have said that the limited extent of the injuries averted a potential major tragedy, crediting the team’s training and vigilance.

Maoists frequently deploy IEDs along dirt tracks, roads, and forest paths in the interior pockets of the Bastar division — encompassing seven districts, including Bijapur — to ambush patrolling security forces. Such devices have claimed the lives of personnel and civilians alike in the past, underscoring the asymmetric warfare tactics employed by the insurgents amid intensifying anti-Naxal operations.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/chhattisgarh-2-cobra-commandos-injured-in-ied-blast-during-anti-naxal-operation-in-bijapur

The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. There are reports that kabaddi player Rana Balachauria was killed during the live Sohana Kabaddi Cup held in Mohali on Monday.

In a shocking incident, a kabaddi player was shot dead in front of the players and spectators during live match in Punjab’s Mohali. The incident was caught on camera and the video of the incident is doing rounds on social media. There are reports that kabaddi player Rana Balachauria was killed during the live Sohana Kabaddi Cup held in Mohali on Monday.

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Today, during a kabaddi tournament in Sohana, Mohali, kabaddi player and promoter Rana Balachauria (Balraj Rana) was shot dead in front of players and spectators. This incident is not just a murder; it is an open declaration of the complete collapse of law and order in Punjab.… pic.twitter.com/SGMeCktWvh

— Singh Sahib Giani Harpreet Singh (@J_Harpreetsingh) December 15, 2025

As per reports, the attackers approached Rana under the pretext of taking a selfie and opened fire at him. There are also reports that famous Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was expected to perform during the kabaddi event, however, the incident occurred his arrival at the venue.

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Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria shot dead during the Live Sohana Kabaddi Cup held in Mohali, Punjab today. Attackers reportedly approached under the pretext of a selfie before opening fire. Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh was expected to perform at the event but had not arrived… pic.twitter.com/QIjFliRbpO

— Taruni Gandhi (@TaruniGandhi) December 15, 2025

There are reports that the assailants arrived on a bike and asked Rana for a selfie before shooting him. The attackers then fled from the spot on their bike. Rana suffered critical injuries in the attack after which he was reportedly rushed to Fortis Hospital in Mohali.

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A post claiming responsibility for the killing of kabaddi player Rana Balachauria has surfaced, allegedly by the Gopi Ghanshampur gang. The post says the attack was revenge for Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, claims Rana was linked to Lawrence Bishnoi & Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, and warns… https://t.co/g8ON47puCm pic.twitter.com/bdtue8pG40

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) December 15, 2025

The hospital authorities said that Rana succumbed to his injuries. There are reports that the gunmen fired four to five rounds of bullets at Rana and he suffered around four to five bullet injuries. There are reports that there was bullet wounds on his face and also on the upper part of his body.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/punjab-kabaddi-player-rana-balachauria-shot-dead-during-live-match-in-mohali-bambiha-gang-claims-responsibility-video

 

A viral photo from Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour shows a man taking a car selfie with three footballers seated behind him. The candid image has spread rapidly, though its authenticity has not been officially verified.

A photograph circulating on social media during Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour has sparked widespread attention, with fans and followers sharing it rapidly across platforms. The image shows a man seated in the driver’s seat of a car, taking a selfie with Lionel Messi along with his teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez.

The man in the driver’s seat appears to be dressed formally, suggesting he may have been part of the tour’s logistics or transportation arrangement. The three footballers in the backseat are casually dressed, leaning forward toward the camera, creating a candid and informal moment that contrasts with the otherwise high-profile nature of the G.O.A.T India Tour. The selfie-like composition has added to the curiosity and excitement surrounding the image, as it presents a rare, relaxed snapshot allegedly taken off the field.

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Messi in India 🇮🇳 is a content gold mine 😂🚗 pic.twitter.com/l3lkN5HGY7

— 433 (@433) December 16, 2025

The photograph was posted on an X (formerly Twitter) account and quickly gained traction, with many users resharing it and reacting with enthusiasm. Fans have described the image as a once-in-a-lifetime moment, imagining the thrill of sharing a car ride with some of the biggest names in world football. However, it is important to note that the authenticity of the photo has not been independently verified.

As with many viral images during major sporting tours, the photo has fueled online discussions and speculation. Until verified by official sources or the players themselves, the image remains an unconfirmed but intriguing part of the online buzz surrounding Lionel Messi’s G.O.A.T India Tour, reflecting the massive global attention that follows the football legend and his teammates wherever they go.

Lionel Messi’s arrival at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi marked a historic moment for Indian football fans as the global icon continued his much-anticipated GOAT India Tour. The stadium, better known for legendary cricketing encounters, witnessed an unprecedented wave of excitement as thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the Argentine maestro, turning the venue into a celebration of football and fandom.

As Messi entered the stadium premises, chants of his name echoed through the stands, with fans waving banners, Argentina jerseys, and handmade posters celebrating the legacy of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the deep admiration Indian fans hold for the football legend who has inspired generations with his brilliance, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/viral-car-selfie-claiming-to-show-lionel-messi-rodrigo-de-paul-and-luis-suarez-sparks-buzz-during-goat-india-tour

 

A tragic multi-vehicle collision in dense fog on the Delhi-Agra Expressway has claimed four lives and injured around 25 others. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities investigate the cause of the deadly pile-up.

A deadly pile-up triggered by dense fog on the Delhi-Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh left four people dead and around 25 others injured after eight buses and three cars collided and caught fire early on Tuesday.

The crash occurred on the Agra–Noida carriageway of the Yamuna Expressway, Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said. Poor visibility due to thick fog led to the vehicles ramming into each other, sparking a massive blaze that engulfed the buses and cars within minutes, leaving drivers with little to no time to react.

VEHICLES ENGULFED IN FLAMES

The impact was so severe that all the vehicles caught fire almost instantly, trapping passengers inside and triggering panic at the scene.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames spread rapidly from one vehicle to another. Screams for help rang out as passengers attempted to escape, as per the report.

RESCUE OPERATION UNDERWAY

Fire tenders, police teams and ambulances rushed to the scene soon after the crash. Firefighters battled the blaze while rescue teams pulled out survivors and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

Around 25 people were taken to hospitals in Mathura and neighbouring districts for treatment. Several remain in critical condition.

TRAFFIC DISRUPTED, PROBE LAUNCHED

Traffic on the affected stretch of the expressway was halted for hours as emergency crews cleared the debris. An enquiry has been initiated to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the crash amid heavy fog conditions.

DENSE FOG BLANKETS UTTAR PRADESH

The accident came as several parts of Uttar Pradesh woke up to dense fog and smog on Monday morning, with visibility dropping sharply across cities.

Agra remained shrouded in thick fog, rendering the Taj Mahal invisible for several hours. Similar conditions were reported from Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mainpuri and Moradabad, where commuters were forced to slow down due to poor visibility.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/vehicles-collide-due-to-dense-fog-catch-fire-on-delhi-agra-expressway-many-feared-dead-2836442-2025-12-16

Kolhapur’s Sai Jadhav has become the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy, the prestigious armed forces institution. Her milestone has broken a 93-year-old record because no woman before Sai had accomplished this feat since the academy’s establishment.

Sai Jadhav, 23, has created history by becoming the first woman officer to pass out from the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. Her commissioning marks the end of a 93-year wait. Since the academy’s establishment in 1932, more than 67,000 officer cadets have passed out, but none of them were women. Sai’s achievement now changes that story.

Sai’s commissioning also extends a long-running military tradition in her family. Her great-grandfather served in the British Army, her grandfather held a commission in the Indian Army, and her father, Sandeep Jadhav, continues to serve today.

With her entry into service, Sai becomes the fourth generation of the Jadhav family to wear the uniform.

Sai has been commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Territorial Army, becoming the first woman officer from the IMA to join the force, a distinction that sets her apart even in a branch that has previously inducted women.

The moment Sai’s parents pinned the stars on her shoulders at the passing-out ceremony became a defining image.

Sai’s achievement quickly travelled across X, where veterans amplified the moment and drew wide attention.

Many called it a milestone that will inspire generations of young girls. Others wrote that her success reflects the rising excellence within the Indian Army, marking a moment of pride for the force.

A NEW PATH FOR WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES

At present, eight women officer cadets are in training with the Indian Army, forming the first batch selected through the National Defence Academy’s 2022 intake.

Sai Jadhav’s entry into this space came through special permission, followed by six months of rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy.

The preparation took place alongside male cadets, with all standards and requirements met at par with the regular course.

Education for Sai began in Belgaum and continued across multiple states, a movement shaped by the Army postings of officer Sandeep Jadhav, the father.

A national-level exam cleared after graduation opened the door to the Service Selection Board, where performance during the assessment earned a place at the IMA.

The Indian Army is gradually widening avenues for women, and milestones like this one add momentum to ongoing reforms.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/sai-jadhav-breaks-93-year-record-at-indian-military-academy-becomes-first-woman-officer-2836120-2025-12-15

 

A 19-year-old Rapido bike taxi rider in Maharashtra’s Kalyan was arrested for allegedly molesting a 26-year-old woman and stealing Rs 1,000 from her during a booked ride.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly molested by a Rapido bike rider while she was on her way to a gym in Maharashtra’s Kalyan, police said on Monday, adding that the accused also stole Rs 1,000 from her.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the woman had booked a Rapido bike to go to her gym. When the driver reached the spot and picked her up, he took her to a desolate spot, grabbed her hand forcefully and allegedly molested her.

Police said rider Siddhesh Pardeshi (19), a class VII dropout, was arrested on Sunday following the incident. The accused even tried to rape the woman, but she screamed, following which locals rushed to the scene and rescued her.

“The accused picked up the victim from Chickenghar area after she booked a ride till her gym near Kalyan railway station at 7pm. Instead of proceeding to the intended destination, Pardeshi, who has been employed with Rapido for the last one-and-half months, diverted the scooter to a deserted, dark stretch near the police colony in Syndicate area,” Mahatma Phule police station senior inspector Baliramsingh Pardeshi said.

The locals caught and beat the Rapido driver, black and blue. On receiving information about the incident, police arrived at the spot and brought the situation under control.

“When the woman objected, he stopped the scooter, grabbed her hand and behaved in an indecent manner. He also snatched her purse and took Rs 1,000 from it. The woman raised an alarm, attracting local residents who thrashed Siddesh before handing him over to the police. We have also recovered a knife from the accused,” Pardeshi said.

Based on the woman’s complaint, a case was filed against the driver and further action was being taken.

He has been remanded in police custody till December 18, the official said, adding a probe is underway to find out if he has been involved in similar crimes earlier.

Meanwhile, an official from Kalyan Regional Transport Office (RTO) said a challan had been issued under Motor Vehicles Act in connection with the use of the two-wheeler as an unauthorised bike taxi.

The rider violated provisions of Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules 2025 by operating a conventional petrol-powered motorcycle instead of an electric two-wheeler, which is mandatory, an RTO official told PTI.

“Penal action has been initiated and a fine imposed under the Motor Vehicles Act. We have written to the local police to register a complaint against the bike taxi aggregator company for violating permit terms as per the new bike taxi rules,” he said.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/maharashtra-woman-molested-robbed-off-bike-taxi-driver-kalyan-arrested-locals-beat-2836415-2025-12-15

A new bill, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025, is set to replace the MGNREGA in the Lok Sabha.

A bill proposing to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and replace it with a new rural employment law — the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025 — is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha. According to a copy of the proposed legislation, the bill aims to replace the 2005 MGNREGA framework with the new employment guarantee law.

The bill aims at establishing a “rural development framework aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047”, by providing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in every financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work.

Notably, the bill has been listed in the Lok Sabha in the supplementary list of business issued on Monday.

Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in the statement of purpose of the Bill, said MGNREGA has provided guaranteed wage-employment to rural households over the past 20 years.

However, “further strengthening has become necessary in view of the significant socio-economic transformation witnessed in the rural landscape driven by widespread coverage of the social security interventions and saturation-oriented implementation of major government schemes”, he said.

A photo shared by Elvish Yadav featuring Lionel Messi has sparked intense online debate, with users questioning whether the image is real or AI-generated.

A single image uploaded by YouTuber Elvish Yadav quickly turned into a talking point across social media, with users debating whether the photograph was real or the result of artificial intelligence.

The picture shows Yadav posing alongside football superstar Lionel Messi, with actor and influencer Jannat Zubair also visible in the frame. Yadav kept the caption short — “RaoSahab X Messi” — but it was enough to trigger a flood of reactions. Almost instantly, users began questioning the authenticity of the image, flooding the comments section with doubts, humour and speculation.

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RaoSahabXMessi❤️😊 pic.twitter.com/TCNfIho2w7

— Elvish Yadav (@ElvishYadav) December 15, 2025

Several users were sceptical, openly wondering if the photo had been digitally generated. One comment read, “Even Elvish Yadav got a good photo with Messi, that too for free. Meanwhile, SRK could not get the photo even after paying ₹10 lakh, hence his fans are using AI photo.”

Another user went a step further and asked Grok directly, “is it real or Ai ?” The chatbot responded, “It looks real! The photo is from Lionel Messi’s meeting with the Puch AI team and influencers like Elvish Yadav and Jannat Zubair during his GOAT India Tour 2025. Confirmed via multiple sources including Puch AI’s official posts.”

Not all reactions were serious. Some leaned heavily into sarcasm, with one user commenting, “Rare picture of Leo Messi wasting his time.”

Others, however, were clearly thrilled by the crossover. A fan wrote, “Raosahab X Messi really delighted & fabulous to see this. You have been living our dreams & that’s great to see.”

As the image continued to circulate across platforms, opinions remained divided, with users split between disbelief and excitement.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/elvish-yadav-photo-with-football-legend-lionel-messi-breaks-internet-real-or-ai-goat-tour-2025-delhi-mumbai-hyderabad-kolkata-article-153297638

 

After a recent social media post in which he hinted that a ‘Marathi manoos’ could become India’s PM within a month, Chavan, speaking at an event in Pimpri Chinchwad here on Saturday, said several persons had contacted him seeking a clarification on the remark.

Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan, citing the release of the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files in the United States on December 19, has claimed India could soon have a new prime minister.

He also said the country’s new PM could be from Maharashtra.

After a recent social media post in which he hinted that a “Marathi manoos” could become India’s PM within a month, Chavan, speaking at an event in Pimpri Chinchwad here on Saturday, said several persons had contacted him seeking a clarification on the remark.

“A lot of developments are taking place at the global level. When I made that post, many asked me to explain what I meant. My statement was based on a hypothetical political possibility. If someone from Maharashtra were to become prime minister, the present prime minister would have to step down. I only underlined the possibility of a change,” Chavan explained.

The former Union minister said his comments were linked to December 19, the date on which the US Congress is expected to release the Epstein files that he claimed could have wider global implications.

“It has been said that the files contain sting operation-related material involving several big leaders. Some names are already doing the rounds on social media,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, Chavan said some data in the form of photos has already been released.

“The data contains big world leaders such as presidents, prime ministers. There is a logic that the release of the data might affect our country’s politics also and in such a scenario, big developments can take place,” Chavan said.

Talking about his “Marathi manoos” becoming PM claim, Chavan said it is just political analysis that if a new prime minister is to be appointed, it will be from within BJP only.

“Given the options in BJP for the new face, I see alternatives from Maharashtra,” said Chavan, without elaborating on names he has in mind.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/india-could-get-new-pm-soon-claims-prithviraj-chavan-says-comments-linked-to-epstein-files-release-3830727

The falling rupee has put the industry in a precarious position, as the domestic value addition in an LED TV is around 30 per cent only, and major components like the open cell, semiconductor chips and motherboard, are imported.

Prices of televisions are expected to rise by 3-4 per cent from January next year on account of the rising cost of memory chips and depreciation of the rupee, which recently crossed the 90-to-a-dollar mark for the first time.

The falling rupee has put the industry in a precarious position, as the domestic value addition in an LED TV is around 30 per cent only, and major components like the open cell, semiconductor chips and motherboard, are imported.

Moreover, this is coupled with the memory chip crisis, where a severe global shortage is driven by massive demand for High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for AI servers, causing prices for all memory types (DRAM, flash) to surge. Chipmakers are focusing on high-profit AI chips, tightening supply for legacy devices like TVs.

Haier Appliances India President NS Satish told PTI that prices of LED TV sets will increase by 3 per cent because of shortage of memory chips and weak rupee.

Some TV manufacturers have already communicated to their dealers about the expected hike in prices.

Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd (SPPL), a TV manufacturing company having licences of several global brands including Thomson, Kodak, and Blaupunkt, said:” Memory chip prices have gone up by 500 per cent in the last three months .” According to its CEO Avneet Singh Marwah, there could be 7-10 per cent price hike in televisions from January, predominantly due to memory chip crisis and the impact of depreciating rupee.

He also warned that if memory chip prices in the next two quarters remain the same, “then there could be further hike in TV prices.” According to experts, this upcoming hike may mitigate the boost received on sales of smart TVs, after the rationalisation of GST. The government has slashed GST on TV screens of 32 inches and larger sizes to 18 per cent from the previous 28 per cent, reducing price by around Rs 4,500.

Similarly, Videotex, a homegrown ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) for several brands, and which has its own brand Daiwa, said it is also facing sustained pressure due to sharp increase in memory chip prices, with availability emerging as a critical challenge.

“We are currently facing sustained pressure due to sharp increase in memory chip prices, with availability emerging as a critical challenge. Flash memory and DDR4 prices at the sourcing level have risen by up to 1,000 per cent, driven largely by supply being diverted to AI data centres,” said Arjun Bajaj, Director of Videotex.

This pressure is anticipated to continue until at least Q2 of the coming year, after which some stability may return depending on global memory chip supply dynamics.

“The situation is further exacerbated by the depreciation of the rupee, which has significantly increased import costs. These increases will be reflected in the market in the coming weeks as older inventory moves out,” said Bajaj.

Though Videotex is adjusting production schedules and optimising inventories to manage the impact, the “prolonged nature of this cycle makes it challenging to fully absorb the cost escalation”.

Videotex manufactures smart TVs for Reliance Group (BPL & Reconnect), Havells (Lloyd), Vijay Sales (Vise), Hyundai, Toshiba, Compaq, Daiwa and over 25+ other prominent Indian and international brands.

Source : https://www.deccanherald.com/business/tvs-may-be-costlier-from-january-due-to-memory-chips-shortage-weak-rupee-3830718

The Airbus A330 transformed into a full medical facility, complete with stretchers, equipment and workspace for doctors.

Have you ever heard of a plane that functions as a full hospital in the sky? A video circulating online shows an Airbus A330 completely transformed from a regular passenger jet into a medical unit packed with hospital beds, monitors, equipment and dedicated workspaces for doctors.

The clip has left viewers amazed, especially because the aircraft looks completely ordinary at first. But once you step inside, it opens into a vast, fully equipped setup designed to treat and transport patients.

What’s Inside This Airbus A330

The video opens with a man walking into an Airbus A330, saying, “Here, it looks like a normal A330, but here, it is a hospital.”

At first, he stands in what looks like a standard cabin, complete with overhead bins and regular seating, just like any commercial flight. But when he turns the camera, everything changes. Instead of rows of passengers’ seats, the cabin stretches out into a long medical bay filled with frames, stretchers and organised medical setups.

He continues walking forward, showing more of the space. “You can even have patients here get their medical equipment done, and also here, and some spaces for the doctors as well,” he explains, pointing to the arranged stretchers and the designated seats for medical staff.

Another shot reveals machines, monitors and tubing placed neatly above and beside the patient areas. In the following frame, he moves towards additional equipment mounted on racks and remarks, “And so much equipment which came with the fan. This is something I’ve never seen.”

In the caption, he writes, “I didn’t really know what to expect when I stepped into the A330 MRTT. In the back, it feels like a completely normal A330, and then suddenly you’re standing in what basically looks like a flying hospital.”

He continues, “Moments like these hit me in a special way. You walk in thinking you’ve already seen so much in aviation, and then something surprises you again. Seeing the space for patients, the medical teams, all the equipment… it’s one of those experiences I’ll probably remember for a long time. It’s crazy how many different sides aviation has and how much I still get to learn.”

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Source : https://www.news18.com/viral/airbus-a330-converted-into-sky-hospital-with-stretchers-medical-equipments-video-aa-ws-l-9767407.html

In a separate accident on National Highway 352 in Rewari, three to four buses collided due to low visibility, causing another significant pile-up.

Multiple vehicles were involved in two major pile-ups on fog-hit highways in Haryana early on Sunday, after dense fog sharply reduced visibility across the state. In Hisar, a chain collision took place around 8 am at Dhiktana Moda on National Highway 52, where two Haryana roadways buses, a dumper truck, a car and a motorcycle crashed in succession.

According to NDTV, the incident began when a Kaithal roadways bus rammed into a dumper truck, following which another state transport bus coming from behind crashed into the vehicles already involved.

A car and then a motorcycle also ended up in the pile-up as visibility remained extremely poor. Hundreds of passengers were caught up in the crash, but officials said most escaped without injury; only the motorcycle rider was hurt and taken to the hospital.

In a separate accident on National Highway 352 in Rewari, three to four buses collided due to low visibility, causing another significant pile-up. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Source : https://www.news18.com/india/buses-cars-crash-in-dense-fog-as-major-pile-ups-hit-haryana-highways-several-injured-ws-e-9769122.html

Airlines have urged passengers to allow additional time while planning their journey to the airport as road traffic may be slower due to the toxic haze.

A dense blanket of smog continued to cover Delhi and its adjoining areas on Monday morning as the air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category, reducing visibility and disrupting flight and train operations. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital stood at 456 at 6 am, according to the data available on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) website – making it the season’s second-worst AQI.

It was 461 on Sunday – the second-worst air quality day on record.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered ‘good’, 51 and 100 ‘satisfactory’, 101 and 200 ‘moderate’, 201 and 300 ‘poor’, 301 and 400 ‘very poor’, and 401 and 500 ‘severe’.

Videos showed a thick layer of toxic air at Delhi’s Akshardham, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 493.

More clips show poor visibility in many areas, including the Barapulla flyover – where AQI was recorded 433, and Barakhamba Road – where AQI was 474.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange’ alert for dense smog today.

The visibility was reduced in the national capital due to the thick layer of toxic smog, with at least 100 flights being cancelled, and over 300 delayed at Delhi airport, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.

The Delhi Airport issued an advisory for commuters.

“Due to dense fog, flight operations may experience disruptions. We are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers. For the latest flight updates, passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” it said in a post on X.

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Update issued at 06:12 hours.
Kind attention to all flyers!#Fog #FogAlert #DelhiAirport pic.twitter.com/qjVGEBhPxu

— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) December 15, 2025

IndiGo also issued an advisory, informing passengers of flight cancellations and delays.

“Due to dense fog in Delhi this morning, visibility has reduced drastically, impacting flight operations. As a precaution, some flights may be proactively cancelled through the day to prioritise safety and help minimise extended waiting at the airport. We understand how inconvenient this can be, especially when travel plans are important. Please be assured that our teams across airports are working continuously to manage operations as smoothly as possible, and keep you informed as the situation evolves,” it said.

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Travel Advisory

Due to dense fog in Delhi this morning, visibility has reduced drastically, impacting flight operations. As a precaution, some flights may be proactively cancelled through the day to prioritise safety and help minimise extended waiting at the airport.

We…

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) December 15, 2025

In another post, the airline also urged passengers to allow additional time while planning their journey to the airport as road traffic may be slower due to the toxic haze.

Air India, in its advisory, said, “Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India.”

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#TravelAdvisory

Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. Please check your flight status at: https://t.co/6ajUZVeeIM before heading to the airport.

— Air India (@airindia) December 15, 2025

Over 90 trains arriving and departing from Delhi were delayed by six to seven hours due to low visibility.

Source : https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/dense-smog-blankets-delhi-as-air-quality-remains-severe-flight-ops-hit-airlines-issue-advisory-9809943

 

The Enforcement Directorate uncovered a lavish collection of luxury items at the home of a dismissed UP police constable during a raid linked to a codeine-laced cough syrup investigation.

The Enforcement Directorate’s raid on the Lucknow home of a dismissed police constable has revealed a jaw-dropping trove of luxury items. From ornate European-style interiors and spiral staircases to vintage lighting, officials were left stunned during searches at the house of ex-UP constable Alok Pratap Singh, who was arrested in the codeine-laced cough syrup case.

The two-storey mansion sprawls over nearly 7,000 square feet in Ahmamau near the Lucknow-Sultanpur highway. Towering pillars line the facade, ornate railings adorn the wide balconies, and inside, cream-painted walls with decorative accents set off the high-end fittings, PTI reported, citing officials.

Luxury items seized during the ED raid on Friday include handbags of Prada and Gucci, premium Rado watches, and several electronic devices, officials said.

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#WATCH | Lucknow, UP | Visuals from the residence of suspended police constable Alok Singh, where ED is carrying out raids in the cough syrup syndicate case. https://t.co/CNhcrPyjiJ pic.twitter.com/Mmqhqvm7gT

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025

A senior police officer privy to the investigation told PTI on Saturday, “Preliminary assessments suggest that Rs 1.5-2 crore was spent solely on interiors, while the construction of the house alone may have cost around Rs 5 crore, excluding the land. A government-approved valuer has been appointed to determine the full investment and any illicit funds involved.”

The Special Task Force of Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Alok Pratap Singh, who has been dismissed from service twice, on December 2. His name cropped up during the interrogation of another accused, Amit Kumar Singh alias Amit Tata, in the ongoing probe into an illegal codeine-laced cough syrup racket. He is currently lodged in Lucknow jail.

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Look at this mansion in Sushant Golf City, one of Lucknow’s most posh locality.

It belongs to a UP Police constable, Alok Pratap Singh, now in custody for running a cough-syrup smuggling racket. An entry level man drawing barely ₹40,000 a month, yet living in a house that even… pic.twitter.com/rN04NbuRiy

— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) December 12, 2025

 

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, under the Centre’s SASCI (Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment) scheme, a digital identity of farmers and a geo-mapped record of agricultural land will be created in Delhi. In return, the Central Government will provide financial assistance to the state.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced that the Delhi Government will digitise the entire agricultural framework related to farming and farmers.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, under the Centre’s SASCI (Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment) scheme, a digital identity of farmers and a geo-mapped record of agricultural land will be created in Delhi. In return, the Central Government will provide financial assistance to the state. However, this assistance will not be given as a one-time grant but will be released based on the achievement of defined targets.

According to CM Rekha Gupta, this significant decision will ensure accurate land records and eliminate discrepancies in schemes such as crop insurance, compensation, minimum support price and subsidies. She added that this system will provide farmers with proper identification, rights and transparency in the overall process.

The Chief Minister stated that the purpose of the Centre’s SASCI scheme is to incentivise states that integrate agriculture with digital systems. “Under this scheme, Delhi will implement the State Farmer Registry and the Digital Crop Survey. As the Delhi Government completes these tasks, financial assistance from the Centre will be released accordingly,” the CM said, as per the CMO.

CM Gupta further said that the Central Government has announced a special assistance package of RS 5,000 crore for states across the country under this scheme. “This amount will be provided to states that prepare digital records of farmers and farmland. Delhi will now receive its share from this allocation. The government is preparing to create a digital farmer registry, develop a complete digital map of agricultural land, and begin a digital crop survey,” she said.

The Chief Minister mentioned that, for the first time in Delhi, manual crop inspection (girdawari) will be replaced with a digital crop survey. The geo-location of every field will be recorded. Photographs of crops will be taken and linked with satellite maps.

“This will create an authentic and verifiable record of every field, ensuring transparency in crop insurance, compensation, minimum support price and subsidy schemes. All agricultural land will undergo geo-referencing, making land maps available on a digital platform. Each field will be recorded with an accuracy of 20 metres. This will eliminate problems such as fraudulent claims, incorrect land area reporting and forged documents,” CM Gupta emphasised.

Source : https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/delhi-govt-to-create-digital-database-of-farmland-funds-to-be-received-from-centre-cm-rekha-gupta

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the crackdown by Indian Railways on train ticket booking through fake identities is yielding positive results.

With a new, stringent system to establish user identity, the number of new user IDs being added daily on the IRCTC website has declined to about 5,000 from nearly one lakh.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the crackdown by Indian Railways on train ticket booking through fake identities is yielding positive results. Before the latest reforms, this number had touched nearly one lakh new user IDs per day.

“Following the introduction of a stringent system to establish user identity and detect fake IDs, about 5,000 new user IDs are now being added daily on the IRCTC website,” according to a press note. The officials stated that these steps have already helped Indian Railways deactivate 3.03 crore fake accounts.

“Another 2.7 crore user IDs have either been temporarily suspended or identified for suspension based on the suspicious activities they are indulging in,” they said.

The Union minister directed officials to ensure that the ticketing system is reformed to a level where all travellers are able to book tickets easily through a real and genuine user ID, the press note added.

New Delhi aims to protect its exporters while seeking mutually beneficial solutions through dialogue.

After Mexico levied a tariff hike of up to 50% on Indian goods, which will take effect next year, India has issued a response saying that it is “engaged” with the South American nation over its decision to “unilaterally” raise tariffs. New Delhi has made it clear that it is open to finding “mutually beneficial solutions”, while reserving the right to take “appropriate measures” to safeguard the interests of its exporters.

“India reserves the right to take appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters, while continuing to pursue a solution through constructive dialogue,” an official said, PTI reported.

The official also revealed that India was engaged with Mexico during the initial tabling of a bill in this regard. “The Department of Commerce is engaged with Mexico’s Ministry of Economy to explore mutually beneficial solutions which align with global trade rules,” the official stated.

A high-level meeting between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico’s Vice Minister of Economy Luis Rosendo has taken place, and follow-up meetings are expected.

Mexico announced the duties against countries that do not have free trade agreements with it, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. The decision was taken despite protests from local business groups and objections from the affected governments.

The recent visit of Lionel Messi to Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium turned chaotic, as many fans were left dissatisfied after paying high ticket prices.

Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium witnessed football madness of a very different kind on Saturday as Lionel Messi’s much-hyped Kolkata stop ended in chaos and one fan walking away with a carpet became the internet’s unexpected star. After paying Rs 10,000 for a ticket and barely getting a glimpse of the Argentine legend, the visibly upset fan was caught on camera rolling up a stadium carpet and calmly heading out. His reason? Simple and painfully honest.

“Messi ka face tak dikhai nahi diya. Camera mein mera face mat dikhana. Carpet le ke ja raha hoon. Itna paisa diya hai. Ghar mein practice karunga,” he said in Bengali, drawing loud laughter online.

Roughly translated, the fan joked that since his money had “gone down the drain,” he might as well take the carpet home and practise football there.

The humorous protest came amid growing anger inside the stadium after Messi’s appearance was cut short, leaving thousands of fans disappointed. Videos from the venue showed unruly scenes, with fans throwing bottles, damaging seats and storming restricted areas as frustration boiled over.

While authorities moved in to control the situation and organisers faced questioning over crowd management and planning failures, it was the carpet-carrying fan who captured the mood best, disappointed, sarcastic and trying to recover something for the money spent.

Social media users were quick to turn the moment into memes, with many calling him “the most practical Messi fan ever” and others joking that the carpet was “the only thing that stayed longer than Messi.”

Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated sharply, plunging into the hazardous zone amid dense smog and fog. Authorities have invoked Stage-IV emergency measures to combat the severe pollution affecting the capital and NCR region.

Air pollution in Delhi and regions around the national capital, which had already slipped into the ‘severe’ category on Saturday, worsened further on Sunday as a thick layer of toxic smog blanketed the city and other areas, pushing air quality to hazardous levels and severely impairing visibility in several areas.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) rising to 461 at 7 am, up from 431 a day earlier.

ALL MONITORING STATIONS IN SEVERE ZONE

All 40 air quality monitoring stations across the city recorded readings in the ‘severe’ category, with multiple locations nearing the maximum measurable limit. Rohini recorded an AQI of 499, followed closely by Bawana at 498, Vivek Vihar at 495, Ashok Vihar and Wazirpur at 493 each, Narela at 492 and Anand Vihar at 491.

Other parts of the capital also remained heavily polluted, including ITO (485), Mundaka (486), Punjabi Bagh (478), Nehru Nagar (476), Chandni Chowk and Okhla (470 each).

Even relatively greener pockets such as Lodhi Road (400) and Najafgarh (404) failed to escape the grip of toxic air.

NCR ALSO SUFFERS

The air quality crisis extended well beyond the national capital, with several cities across the National Capital Region (NCR) also recording alarming pollution levels.

Noida registered an AQI of 470, placing it firmly in the ‘severe’ category, while Ghaziabad recorded a similarly hazardous 460. Gurugram’s air quality remained ‘very poor’ at 348, while Faridabad saw relatively lower but still concerning levels, with an AQI of 220, classified as ‘poor’.

DENSE FOG CUTS VISIBILITY

The worsening pollution was visible from the early hours, as dense smog mixed with fog engulfed large parts of Delhi, reducing visibility sharply.

In some areas, visibility dropped to near zero, disrupting early-morning movement and prompting authorities to activate low-visibility procedures at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. While flight operations continued, officials said pilots were operating under precautionary protocols due to fluctuating visibility conditions.

IMD ISSUES DENSE FOG WARNING FOR DELHI

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility at the IGI Airport was expected to reduce to as low as 100 metres in dense fog during the early morning hours on Sunday, before improving to around 800 metres in shallow fog later in the day.

The IMD forecast had warned of moderate to dense fog at many places across Delhi during the morning hours of December 14, with shallow to moderate fog likely to persist in the following days as well.

WEAK WINDS WORSEN CONDITIONS

In its daily weather bulletin issued on Saturday, the IMD said a western disturbance persisting over north Pakistan and the presence of a strong subtropical westerly jet stream over northwest India were influencing weather conditions over the region.

The department forecast partly cloudy skies over Delhi for the next 48 hours, followed by clearer conditions, but cautioned that mist, haze and fog would continue during night and morning hours.

Dense fog was expected at isolated places on Sunday morning, with shallow to moderate fog likely on December 15 and shallow fog thereafter.

GRAP STAGE-IV INVOKED ACROSS NCR

On Saturday night, amid the rising pollution trend, the Sub-Committee of the Graded Response Action Plan of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held an emergency meeting and decided to invoke all actions under Stage-IV of the extant GRAP, classified as ‘Severe+’ air quality, with immediate effect across the entire NCR.

The decision was taken after Delhi’s AQI rose steadily from 431 at 4 pm to 436 at 5 pm and further to 441 at 6 pm.

METEOROLOGICAL FACTORS BEHIND SUDDEN AQI SPIKE

CAQM said the sudden deterioration in air quality was largely driven by unfavourable meteorological conditions rather than a spike in emissions.

A feeble western disturbance approaching northwest India led to a sharp reduction in wind speed, at times turning calm, a shift in wind direction from westerly to easterly, and increased moisture in the lower atmosphere.

These winter conditions are conducive to the formation of smog and fog, trapping pollutants close to the surface and preventing their dispersion.

5-POINT EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN ROLLED OUT

Under Stage-IV of GRAP, a five-point emergency action plan has been enforced with immediate effect across Delhi-NCR.

The measures include stopping the entry of BS-IV diesel trucks into Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services, while allowing LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks.

A strict ban has been imposed on the plying of Delhi-registered diesel-operated BS-IV and below heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services.

CONSTRUCTION, MINING AND STONE CRUSHERS SHUT

All construction and demolition activities have been completely banned, including linear public infrastructure projects such as highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines and pipelines.

Stone crushers, mining operations and associated activities across the NCR have also been ordered to shut down.

SCHOOLS SHIFT TO HYBRID MODE

In the education sector, state governments in the NCR and the Delhi government have been directed to conduct classes for students from Class VI to IX and Class XI in a hybrid mode, combining physical and online learning where feasible.

Authorities may also consider extending hybrid classes to other areas of the NCR. The option to attend online classes will rest with students and their guardians.

Additional emergency measures, including the closure of colleges and non-essential commercial activities and the implementation of odd-even vehicle norms, may also be considered by state governments.

HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED

CAQM has appealed to residents of the NCR to strictly follow the Citizen Charter under GRAP.

Children, the elderly and people suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular or other chronic illnesses have been advised to avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors as much as possible, using masks if stepping out is unavoidable.

BRIEF RELIEF EARLIER IN WEEK PROVES SHORT-LIVED

Delhi’s air quality had briefly improved earlier in the week, dipping to 282 on Tuesday and 259 on Wednesday, but the relief proved short-lived.

Pollution levels climbed again from Thursday onwards, crossed into the ‘severe’ category on Saturday and worsened further on Sunday as dense fog and toxic smog continued to choke the city, raising concerns that hazardous conditions may persist in the coming days.

WHAT AQI LEVELS MEAN FOR HEALTH

As per CPCB norms, the AQI is calculated based on eight pollutants — PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and lead.

AQI values between 301 and 400 fall under the ‘very poor’ category, while readings above 401 are classified as ‘severe’, posing health risks even to healthy individuals.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-pollution-delhi-ncr-air-quality-slips-deeper-into-severe-zone-aqi-toxic-smog-dense-fog-2835629-2025-12-14

Addressing new officers at the Air Force Academy, CDS Anil Chauhan stressed constant readiness, agility and purposeful action over rhetoric.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday delivered a strong message, saying wars cannot be won by rhetoric alone but by clear, purposeful action, taking a subtle dig at Pakistan. He was speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade of the Autumn Term, December 2025, at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, where he was the presiding officer.

Purposeful action not rhetoric

In the investigation of Zubeen Garg’s death, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has charged four individuals with murder, including his manager and an event organiser.

At least four people have been booked with murder charges in Zubeen Garg’s death case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is probing the case said in its chargesheet on Friday.

Special DGP and SIT chief MP Gupta confirmed it before the media on Friday that the SIT has registered murder charges against four accused including Zubeen’s manager Siddartha Sarma, Singapore event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, singer Amritprava Mahanta and bandmate Sekharjyoti Goswami.

Apart from these, Zubeen’s cousin has been chargesheeted for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while his PSOs have been booked for criminal breach of trust.

MP Gupta further said that the main chargesheet runs over 2,500 pages, and with all evidence and exhibits included, the total volume extends to nearly 12,000 pages.

SIT also mentioned that the chargesheet details the criminal conspiracy and the motive behind the murder.

Delhi’s air quality worsened again on Saturday, with the overall AQI rising to 387 and edging close to the ‘severe’ category after a brief mid-week improvement. The deterioration was reflected across the city, with 18 areas recording AQI levels above 400, led by Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri and Vivek Vihar as the most polluted hotspots.

Delhi’s air quality continued its downward slide on Saturday, edging close to the ‘severe’ category as the city’s overall AQI climbed to 387, reversing the brief improvement witnessed earlier this week.

Thick smog and shallow fog shrouded several parts of the city in the early morning hours, reducing visibility and triggering low-visibility procedures at Indira Gandhi International Airport, though all flights were operating normally.

Pollution hotspots bore the brunt, with 18 areas recording AQI levels above 400, signalling a return to hazardous conditions for residents.

After enduring ‘very poor’ air for nine consecutive days, the capital saw a marginal breather on Tuesday when the average AQI dropped to 282, slipping into the ‘poor’ category. Conditions improved slightly further on Wednesday with an AQI of 259, before deteriorating again to 307 on Thursday and worsening sharply to 349 on Friday, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Sameer app.

POLLUTION BACK ON BRINK OF ‘SEVERE’

The pollution levels rose further on Saturday, pushing the city back to the brink of ‘severe’ air quality.

The impact was most visible in several pollution hotspots, with 18 areas recording AQI levels above 400.

Wazirpur emerged as the most polluted locality with an AQI of 443, followed by Jahangirpuri (439), Vivek Vihar (437), Rohini and Anand Vihar (434 each), Ashok Vihar (431), and Sonia Vihar and DTU (427 each).

Other areas in the ‘severe’ bracket included Narela (425), Bawana (424), Nehru Nagar (421), Patparganj (419), ITO (417), Punjabi Bagh (416), Mundka (415), Burari Crossing (413), Chandni Chowk (412) and the North Campus of Delhi University (401).

NCR MIRRORS DELHI’S POLLUTION CRISIS

The grim situation extended across the National Capital Region (NCR) as well.

Ghaziabad and Noida recorded AQI levels of 422 each, firmly in the ‘severe’ category. Gurugram reported an AQI of 295, while Faridabad stood at 208, both falling in the ‘poor’ range.

SMOG AND FOG SLASH VISIBILITY

The thick layer of smog mixed with shallow fog significantly reduced visibility in the city, affecting commuting conditions and raising health concerns, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi’s visibility was around 500 metres. While there is no alert for dense fog or low visibility in Delhi and NCR, an orange alert for very dense fog was issued for eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Some areas of Punjab, including Amritsar, reported the lowest visibility, dropping to almost zero in spots.

DENSE FOG LIKELY IN COMING DAYS

Weather officials warned that dense fog is likely to persist over the next two days across several parts of north India, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi-NCR, with visibility in parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh expected to fall below 50 metres. The low wind speed from the eastern direction has intensified the fog’s effect, trapping pollutants near the ground.

UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER TRAPS POLLUTANTS

Experts attributed the sharp deterioration to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including low wind speeds, high moisture levels and falling temperatures, which prevented the dispersion of pollutants. According to them, the north-western movement of low wind speed combined with cooler conditions has led to a dip in air quality across several cities.

However, Delhi’s winter chill has remained largely absent this December. The minimum temperature hovered around 11°C on Saturday morning, while the maximum was expected to stay near 22°C.

Meteorological data show that both day and night temperatures have remained above normal for early December, delaying the onset of typical winter conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed this to the lack of active western disturbances, which usually bring cold, dry winds to north India. IMD experts noted that the intensity and timing of winter in the region depend heavily on these systems, whose absence has contributed to stagnant air and worsening pollution.

CAQM STEPS IN TO CURB VEHICULAR POLLUTION

Amid rising concerns, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has constituted an expert committee to curb vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR, a major contributor to deteriorating air quality.

According to CAQM, emissions from vehicles releasing pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) have become one of the biggest sources of air pollution, posing a serious public health challenge.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/heavy-smoke-shrouds-delhi-as-air-edges-close-to-severe-aqi-at-18-areas-cross-400-2835309-2025-12-13

The Union Cabinet has approved the HECI Bill, now renamed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, paving the way for a single higher education regulator to replace the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. The new body will handle regulation, accreditation, and standards as proposed under NEP 2020, marking a major overhaul of India’s higher education system.

Indian higher education is about to get its biggest structural makeover in decades. The Union Cabinet has cleared a landmark bill to set up a single higher education regulator that will replace the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE — bringing all non-medical and non-law higher education under one powerful umbrella.

The proposed law, earlier known as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, has now been renamed the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill.

Approved on Friday, the bill fulfils a core National Education Policy (NEP 2020) vision: streamlining a sector currently governed by multiple regulators with overlapping functions.

Under the new system, the Commission will take over regulation, accreditation, and setting professional standards across higher education. Medical and law colleges remain outside its scope. Interestingly, funding — considered the fourth pillar — will not fall under the new regulator for now and will remain with the administrative ministry.

Unless the government creates a separate Higher Education Funding Authority later (as once proposed in NEP drafts), the current arrangement will continue wherein the education ministry’s Department of Higher Education will oversee funding.

For decades, India’s higher education ecosystem has been split across agencies:

• UGC regulates non-technical higher education
• AICTE oversees technical education
• NCTE manages teacher education

The NEP-2020 had called the regulatory system “in need of a complete overhaul”, stressing the need for distinct, empowered bodies handling distinct roles.

Source : https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/cabinet-clears-heci-bill-to-set-up-single-higher-education-regulator-in-india-2835188-2025-12-12

A statement said the leaders underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance trade.

As speculation about an imminent trade deal between the two countries gathers steam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke over the phone on Thursday and discussed expanding cooperation in various areas.

A statement said the two leaders reviewed progress in the India-US partnership and discussed expanding cooperation in key areas, including trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security.

Stressing that both leaders expressed satisfaction at the “strengthening of bilateral cooperation” across sectors, the statement mentioned trade specifically and noted they “underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade”.

Both PM Modi and Trump, the statement said, agreed to work closely to address challenges and advance common interests.

“The leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas that are central to the implementation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century),” it said.

Prime Minister Modi also posted about the call on X, terming the conversation “warm and engaging”, but did not mention trade.

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Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity.…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2025

“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” he wrote.

Timing

Ties between the US and India have seen a slide since a 25% penalty for New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil – in addition to 25% tariffs – was announced in July and took effect on August 27.

India has repeatedly termed the tariffs unfair and said it is perplexed by the logic behind them because China is the biggest purchaser of Russian oil and the European Union buys the largest amount of LNG from the country.

Thursday’s call comes days after Vladimir Putin’s high-profile visit to India, which saw several deals being signed but was probably noticed more for the close personal relationship between the Russian president and PM Modi, which was on ample display, including when the two leaders carpooled from the airport to the PM’s residence.

President Trump’s handling of the relationship with India has been slammed by several leaders, who have said he has ended up pushing one of US’ most important allies even closer towards Russia.

A Democratic lawmaker also took a photo of PM Modi and Putin sharing a car to the US Congress this week and pointed to it while executing a takedown of Trump’s foreign policy.

“Trump’s policies towards India can only be described as cutting off our nose to spite our face, and this is doing real and lasting damage to the strategic trust and mutual understanding between our two countries,” Sydney Kamlager-Dove said.

The timing of the call is also significant because a US team is in Delhi for discussions on the bilateral trade agreement with India.

On Thursday, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the talks are going well, but no deadline has been set for the trade deal.

 

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-us-president-donald-trump-discuss-trade-energy-and-defence-9793120?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

 

As a deadly blaze ripped through a Goa nightclub, resulting in the deaths of 25 people, its co-owners were attending a wedding in Delhi.

As a deadly blaze ripped through a Goa nightclub, resulting in the deaths of 25 people, its co-owners were attending a wedding in Delhi. Shortly after getting information about the fire at Birch By Romeo Lane, Saurav and Gaurav Luthra made hurried plans to travel to Thailand.

Documents submitted in a court in Goa showed that the accused booked tickets to Phuket at 1.17 am on December 7, around an hour after the fire broke out, and had departed from India by 5.20 am.

On Thursday, officials said the Luthra brothers were detained in Thailand, even as a Delhi court rejected their anticipatory transit bail pleas, citing the duo’s conduct and the gravity of the offences. “They left, they concealed, and they are now seeking leniency,” the Goa government’s lawyer told a court, pointing out that they had fled immediately after the fire incident and were evading the legal process.

The Goa Police said the two brothers are accused of injury causing death, manslaughter and murder by organising a fire show “without taking proper care and caution and without providing fire safety equipment, other safety gadgets.”

After Gaurav Luthra, 44, and his brother Saurabh, 40, fled to Phuket, an Interpol Blue Corner notice was issued on December 9 following a request from the Goa police routed through the CBI.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/luthra-brothers-were-at-delhi-wedding-when-fire-ravaged-goa-club-9794170?pfrom=home-ndtv_topscroll

Mexico approved imposing tariffs on hundreds of goods from countries without trade agreements, including India and China, starting next year.

Mexico on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to imposing tariffs from next year on hundreds of goods from countries it said it does not have trade agreements with – including India and China. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government said the move is to protect local employment and manufacturing.

The tariff approval by Mexico, which Reuters reported first on Wednesday, on Asian imports is expected to hit the Indian automakers the most as Mexico, is India’s third-largest car export market after South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Mexico’s Senate has approved a new tariff regime that raises duties, in some cases up to 50 per cent, on more than 1,400 products imported from countries that do not have a formal trade agreement with Mexico, Reuters reported.

Mexico tariffs on India: Who gets hit the most?
Indian car exporters: Mexico’s decision to raise tariffs as high as 50 per cent is expected to impact $1.8 billion (roughly ₹14,940 crore) worth of shipments from major Indian car exporters, including Volkswagen and Hyundai.

The industry is lobbying to persuade the Indian side to prevent the tariff move by Mexico, Reuters quoted two sources as saying and a letter from an industry group reviewed by it.

India exported goods worth $5.63 billion or roughly ₹5,085 crore (as per current USD to INR conversion rate) in 2025, with export basket being dominated by vehicles, according to tradingeconomics.com.

Other sectors that may get hit: Of the goods India exported to Mexico in 2025, vehicle exports (other than railway) comprised the largest chunk with to Mexico were at $1.86 billion, followed by:

-Electrical, electronic equipment – $612.38 million

-Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers – $560.87 million

-Organic chemicals – $388.04 million

-Aluminum – $386.03 million

-Pharmaceutical products – $211.20 million

(as per tradingeconomics.com)

Piyush Arora, chief of VW’s Indian unit, Skoda Auto Volkswagen, said India has been a strong export base for many years and the company ships to more than 40 countries from here.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mexico-approves-up-to-50-tariffs-on-india-who-gets-hit-the-most-101765445547646.html

Goyal also emphasised that successful deals require mutual benefits and should not be rushed with deadlines to avoid mistakes.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said India and the United States are making “steady and substantive” progress in their ongoing trade negotiations, noting that five rounds of talks have already taken place and discussions during the current visit of the new USTR deputy were “very productive.”

“Negotiations are progressing well. We’ve had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations. In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is a new deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) who has joined about three months ago. It’s his first visit to India. We’re getting to know each other…We had very good substantive discussions,” he said.

He also noted that a deal is done when both sides stand to benefit, and it should not be negotiated with deadlines because there can be mistakes. “But I have said on record that a deal is only done when both sides stand to benefit. We should never negotiate with deadlines because you tend to make mistakes then,” he added.

‘If they are happy then…’: Goyal
Answering a query about reported remarks of United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that the US has received the best-ever trade deal from India, Goyal said “the happiness of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is very much welcome.

“I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted line,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Goyal expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, stating that discussions are “progressing well” towards a bilateral trade agreement. Speaking on the sidelines of the Rajasthani Pravasi Divas, Goyal said a US trade delegation has been in India since Tuesday, and talks have been advancing positively.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/if-happy-then-how-goyal-responded-to-us-saying-it-has-received-best-ever-trade-deal-from-india-article-153280458

After Thakur’s complaint, several BJP MPs demanded that Birla takes action against the unnamed TMC MP.

New Delhi: BJP MP Anurag Thakur created a stir on Thursday in Lok Sabha by complaining that some members were smoking e-cigarettes. His complaint led to disruptions in the House.

While Thakur did not name the members, he said that the errant MP is from the Trinamool Congress. “E-cigarettes are banned across the country and yet they are allowed in the House? Trinamool MPs have been sitting and smoking them for several days, e-cigarettes are being smoked in the House. Please investigate this immediately,”

Thakur complained during the Question Hour. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said that he will initiate action. “Everyone must adhere to parliamentary traditions and rules. If such matters come to my attention, I will act,” Birla said.

After Thakur’s complaint, several BJP MPs demanded that Birla takes action against the unnamed TMC MP. The uproar led Birla to ask the protesting MPs to calm down and he said that if members file a written complaint, he will take action.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala took up the matter later in a press conference. “There is a complete ban on e-cigarettes across the country since 2019. The use of any such items is completely banned in the Parliament premises. So, getting an e-cigarette in Parliament is against the law,” Poonawala said.

Source: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/e-cigarettes-inside-parliament-anurag-thakur-alleges-some-tmc-mps-sitting-in-house-smoking-for-days-3828206

This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, a PMO release said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman next week to strengthen ties with the three countries.

He will visit Jordan from December 15 to 16 at the invitation of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet the Jordanian King to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchange perspectives on regional issues.

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At the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from December 15 – 16, 2025. During the visit, PM will meet His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein to review the entire… pic.twitter.com/zLuHOsALss

— ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2025

This visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, presents an opportunity to strengthen India-Jordan bilateral engagement, explore new avenues of collaboration for mutual growth and prosperity, and reiterate the commitment to promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, a PMO release said.

PM Modi will visit Ethiopia in the second leg of his visit from December 16 to 17. This will be his first visit to the African country. He will hold wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on all aspects of India-Ethiopia bilateral ties.

“As partners in the Global South, the visit will be a reiteration of the shared commitment of the two nations to advance close ties of friendship and bilateral cooperation,” the release said.

In the final leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will visit Oman from December 17 to 18. This will be PM Modi’s second visit to Oman.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pm-modi-to-visit-jordan-ethiopia-oman-next-week-to-boost-bilateral-ties

ED searched nearly 40 locations across four states and seized approximately Rs 3 crore in cash, jewellery, land-deal documents and papers related to immovable asset purchases from Borivali village in Padgha, as investigators probe hawala links to the ISIS terror module.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), backed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Thursday launched a coordinated state-wide and inter-state crackdown, conducted searches at nearly 40 locations across Maharashtra, Delhi, Kolkata, and Uttar Pradesh in a probe into suspected terror-financing networks, officials said.

During the operation, the ED seized approximately Rs 3 crore in cash, jewellery that is currently under valuation, multiple land-deal–related documents, and several other incriminating Documents.

The operation zeroed in on Borivali village in Padgha, Thane district, an area flagged by central agencies as the nerve centre of an ISIS-inspired module allegedly linked to the late Saquib Nachan,a former office-bearer of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Nachan, who died in June this year in a Delhi hospital following a brain haemorrhage, had been identified by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as the alleged “Ameer-e-Hind,” head of ISIS operations in India. Investigators believe his ideological influence continues through his operatives and sympathisers even after his death.

ED teams also conducted searches in Ratnagiri and several other locations across Maharashtra and beyond as part of a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) investigation into alleged terror financing. The operation stems from NIA case RC-29/2023/NIA/DLI, in which Nachan was named a principal accused. Several others, including his family members, close associates, and sympathisers of the ISIS Delhi–Padgha terror module, all hailing from the Padgha-Borivali belt, are alleged to have been part of a highly radicalised ISIS-linked network involved in recruitment, training, procurement of weapons and explosives, and raising funds to sustain terror operations across multiple states.

Investigators are scrutinising banking records, digital footprints, and alleged cash transfers believed to have facilitated financial support to individuals or entities associated with extremist organisations.

Beginning in the pre-dawn hours, Thursday’s raids swept through multiple residential premises in Padgha and other targeted locations. The operation focused on individuals earlier flagged under the ATS Graded Response Protocol for their alleged involvement in Khairwood and cattle-smuggling activities. The agency suspects that proceeds generated from these illegal trades were diverted to fund extremist activities.

In June, shortly after Nachan’s death, the ATS and Thane Rural Police had searched 22 premises linked to Nachan’s family members and other suspected operatives at Borivali in Padgha.Officials seized 19 mobile phones and several incriminating documents allegedly connected to radicalisation efforts.Investigations revealed clandestine networks engaged in the cutting, smuggling, and sale of Khairwood,with the proceeds reportedly routed through an extensive hawala network to fund extremist operations.

Following that action, the ATS submitted a detailed dossier to the ED outlining financial red flags, including suspicious cash movements, unexplained assets and possible benami holdings, prompting a deeper investigation into the module’s money trail. On Thursday’s operation, ATS personnel provided on-ground support to coordinate the ED searches.

Officials said the module’s shadow economy was largely sustained through Khairwood smuggling and cattle trafficking, both identified as highly profitable criminal rackets in the region. Khairwood, a high-value timber used in gutka production and chemical extraction industries, is illegally felled in forest zones and transported through discreet routes to evade enforcement checks. The clandestine cutting, transport, and sale of the timber generates large volumes of unaccounted cash, making it an effective channel for covert financing.Parallelly, the suspects were reportedly operating a cattle-smuggling corridor across district and state boundaries, ensuring a steady flow of unregulated cash.

According to the sources proceeds from these illegal trades were allegedly routed through a hawala network, enabling transfers across states and ultimately feeding into the module’s terror-financing pool, masking extremist funding behind routine smuggling operations.

During the operation, the ED also carried out searches at premises linked to late Saquib Nachan, his family members and accused associates. Officials said the agency seized several land-deal and property-purchase documents, along with transaction records. Cash and jewellery were also recovered from these locations, they added.

 

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/terror-timber-trail-ed-raids-40-locations-probe-reveals-isis-module-funded-by-illegal-wood-smuggling-and-hawala

 

The Delhi High Court questioned the Centre over IndiGo’s mass cancellations and soaring airfares, asking why the crisis arose, who is responsible, and what steps were taken to prevent passenger hardship.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday questioned the Centre over the IndiGo crisis that resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and a sudden spike in domestic airfares, with some tickets shooting up to nearly Rs 40,000. Questioning why airlines were allowed to raise fares amid the chaos, Justice Gedela asked, “If there were a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it go to 35,000 to 39,000? How could other airlines start charging? How can it happen?”

“What bothers us is how such situation was allowed to precipitate stranded lakhs of passengers unattended on airports. Such situation isn’t confined to inconvenience to passengers but also affects economy of country as in the present days, fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep economy functioning”, Court said.

The court said that while it “appreciates their efforts” in managing the situation, the government must explain how the crisis unfolded in the first place. Emphasising the broader economic fallout, Justice Gedela remarked, “Who is responsible? It is not a question of individual passengers being stranded at airports. Question is loss to the economy.”

“We have said we appreciate your efforts. Question is why did such a situation precipitate? Who is responsible? It is not question of individual passengers are stranded at airports. Question is loss to the economy. It is harassment and trouble to the passengers. What steps were taken to compensate the passengers? What action has been taken to ensure that the employees of service providers behave responsibly?” the court asked the Centre.

The Additional Solicitor General detailed the measures taken by the Centre, but the Delhi High Court was not convinced. “These are all taken by you once the crisis erupted. Question is not this. Why at all the situation arose? And what have you been doing,” the court remarked.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/how-can-fares-hit-rs-39000-delhi-hc-asks-centre-why-the-crisis-happened-article-153272031

UNESCO has recognised Deepavali as an intangible cultural heritage, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The festival of Deepavali has been inscribed by UNESCO in its list of intangible cultural heritage, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on Wednesday. In a post on X, he said, “A joyous moment as Deepavali, the festival of lights, marking the triumph of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, Ayodhya, which is celebrated globally, is added to the @UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.”

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🔴 BREAKING

New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Deepavali, #India🇮🇳.

Congratulations!https://t.co/xoL14QknFp #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/YUM7r6nUai

— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 10, 2025

Describing the festival, UNESCO said on its official website, “Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a light festival celebrated annually by diverse individuals and communities across India, that marks the last harvest of the year and the start of a new year and new season. Based on the lunar calendar, it falls on the new moon in October or November and lasts several days. It is a joyous occasion that symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. During this time, people clean and decorate their homes and public spaces, light lamps and candles, set off fireworks, and offer prayers for prosperity and new beginnings”.

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A historic day for India.

Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone… pic.twitter.com/pZDH7nqu85

— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) December 10, 2025

According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage includes the practices, knowledge, expressions, objects, and spaces that communities see as part of their cultural identity. Passed down over generations, this heritage evolves, strengthening cultural identity and appreciation of diversity.

 

All NDA MPs are anticipated to attend, with senior Union ministers managing regional coordination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host an exclusive dinner for all MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) today at his official residence in New Delhi. The dinner, which had earlier been planned during the previous session of Parliament, marks one of the major interactions of the alliance after its historic victory in the Bihar Assembly elections.

All NDA MPs are expected to attend the gathering, and senior Union ministers have been given the responsibility of coordinating with MPs from their respective regions. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar are overseeing arrangements for MPs from Odisha and West Bengal, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been entrusted with coordination for MPs from the Northeastern states.

The special dinner was postponed earlier due to the floods in Punjab.