A political spat has erupted over age relaxation for Jammu and Kashmir's civil services exam. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of delaying a crucial file, while the LG's office countered that misleading claims are circulating. Aspirants face uncertainty as the December 7 exam approaches, with student protests demanding an age limit increase.

Allahabad High Court has halted the demolition of 27 homes in Bareilly's Shahabad area, emphasizing due process. Residents, who had been paying taxes for years, received notices declaring their homes illegal. The court directed the civic body to issue a reasoned order after a personal hearing, preventing any coercive action until then.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced comprehensive reforms for Customs, aiming for greater transparency and simplified compliance. Following successful Income Tax Act overhauls, the government plans to introduce technology for faster goods clearance and reduce discretionary powers. Customs duties will also be reviewed and lowered where necessary, marking this as the next significant reform initiative.

Government discussions are under way for mandatory satellite-assisted mobile phone tracking for law enforcement and disaster management. The proposal, stalled for five years due to privacy concerns and device maker reluctance, aims for more accurate location data than current tower-based methods. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are wary of potential misuse and insist on user consent for such pinpoint tracking.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India is experiencing a «psychological renaissance,» shedding a colonial mindset that once labeled its slow growth the «Hindu rate of growth.» He asserted the nation is now a global economic driver, lauded for its rapid development amidst a worldwide slowdown. This transformation, he emphasized, signifies a profound shift in national confidence and global standing.

Tezpur University students blocked Union higher education secretary Vineet Joshi's convoy after a meeting on allegations against the «absconding» vice chancellor ended without action. Protests, now in their 79th day, demand the VC's resignation amid concerns over financial irregularities and questionable appointments. The ministry is examining the allegations and will report to the President.

A political spat erupted over the Karthigai Deepam lighting in Tirupparankundram, with DMK accusing BJP of inciting communal unrest. BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran defended the move, stating there was no harm in the area resembling Ayodhya and dismissing fears of riots.

A controversial foundation ceremony for a mosque, described as «Babri Masjid-styled,» in Murshidabad on the anniversary of the 1992 demolition sparked political and communal tensions. Thousands attended the event organized by a suspended MLA, who declared it «emotional restitution.» Political parties reacted sharply, with the TMC distancing itself and the BJP accusing it of vote bank politics.

As Bengal gears up for the finalization of its electoral roll, the digitization process has covered nearly all of the 7.6 crore voters. However, a significant number—approximately 28-30 lakh—need to attend hearings to clarify data inconsistencies and stay on the rolls. Furthermore, over 54 lakh voters are being eliminated due to reasons such as inaccessibility, death, or duplication.

A landmark Supreme Court ruling grants divorced Muslim women the right to reclaim wedding gifts from their parents. Rousanara Begum's two-decade legal battle culminated in this victory, affirming women's dignity and property rights. This precedent-setting judgment clarifies that gifts given to a bride belong to her, offering hope to many across India.

Delhi's air pollution nearly doubled in November, making it India's fourth most polluted city. Despite reduced stubble burning, PM2.5 levels soared, with 23 'very poor' and six 'severe' days. Nine of the ten most polluted cities are in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, highlighting the need for sector-specific emission cuts.

A new study reveals nearly 90% of Indian couples undergoing IVF face catastrophic expenditure, even in public hospitals, with costs averaging Rs 1.1 lakh. Over half borrow money, and only 5% have limited insurance, highlighting a significant financial crisis driven by infertility treatments.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has received a show cause notice from aviation watchdog DGCA for mass flight disruptions since December 2. The notice cites alleged operational lapses and inadequate passenger support, demanding a response within 24 hours. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the issue and recommend preventive measures.

«At one time, reforms in India were reactionary. This means that either political interests were linked to major decisions, or they were announced to manage a crisis. However, reforms are carried out with national goals in mind. We have set targets. Each sector across the country is seeing improvement. Our growth is constant. Our intent is nation first,» PM Modi said.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor attended a banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He described the atmosphere as warm and friendly. Tharoor's presence caused friction within the Congress party. Other leaders criticised the government for not inviting key opposition figures to similar events. They stated this move goes against democratic traditions.

Congress has unveiled its lineup of speakers for the upcoming Lok Sabha debate on Vande Mataram, marking the national song's 150th anniversary. Leaders like Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will represent the party. The discussion aims to revive the song's revolutionary spirit, with Prime Minister Modi set to initiate the proceedings.

Meenakshi Singh's new coffee table book, 'Expressions of Divinity Maha Kumbh 2025,' published by Bloomsbury India, was launched at India Habitat Centre. The book explores sacred sites and the spiritual experience of millions at the Sangam, portraying divinity through human courage, humility, and strength. Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath praised it as a significant cultural document.

In his letter, Gogoi drew attention to a statement made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the state Assembly on 24 November, where he claimed that findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police suggested that Garg's death «was a murder.» The Chief Minister further stated that multiple individuals have been booked and that the alleged crime was planned and executed by a group.

A booming tax haul fuels government spending, but the fiscal gap persists as sanitation, administration and education absorb the biggest slices of the pie.

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to a retired IAS officer and digital platforms in a defamation suit filed by former J&K Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta. Mehta disputes allegations of a «Jal Jeevan Mission scam» made by Ashok Kumar Parmar, citing a lack of documentary evidence and contradicting official inquiries.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the Centre for excluding Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi from President Murmu's state dinner for Vladimir Putin. She termed the move «petty,» arguing the President's office should be bipartisan. Congress leaders echoed this sentiment, questioning the guest list and alleging government insecurity.

Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has proposed 'The Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025' to promote work-life balance. The bill aims to curb employee burnout from constant digital communication by granting workers the right to ignore work-related calls and emails outside office hours. Companies could face penalties for non-compliance, encouraging negotiation of out-of-hour service conditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with specially curated gifts showcasing Indian culture during his two-day visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The gifts included a Russian edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, GI-tagged Assam tea, Kashmiri saffron, and a silver tea set, highlighting India's heritage and craftsmanship.

The UK has sanctioned British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and associated entities under its new Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime. This action aims to cut off funding for the pro-Khalistan militant outfit Babbar Khalsa, freezing assets and disqualifying Rehal from directorships due to suspected involvement in terrorism financing.

A Delhi court is considering a new chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Robert Vadra. This case involves alleged money laundering connected to arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has been questioned previously in this matter. The ED is investigating financial transactions and property investments linked to Bhandari. This is the second money-laundering charge against Vadra.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the Centre for excluding Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi from President Murmu's state dinner for Vladimir Putin. She termed the move «petty,» arguing the President's office should be bipartisan. Congress leaders echoed this sentiment, questioning the guest list and alleging government insecurity.

The Red Fort in New Delhi will host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, welcoming over 1,000 delegates. The event aims to showcase India's diverse culture and formally propose Diwali for inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, following previous successful nominations.

Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu has vowed strict action against those responsible for IndiGo's massive flight disruptions, caused by pilot-rostering issues. A committee is investigating the problem, while the DGCA has granted exemptions to help restore normalcy. IndiGo has apologized and offered waivers to affected passengers as operations slowly improve.

Twelve labourers from Pilibhit are reportedly stranded and facing severe harassment in Kyrgyzstan. Families allege they were sent by local agents on misleading contracts, paid hefty sums, and are now subjected to brutal treatment and denied return. The district administration has submitted a detailed report to the UP Home Department, initiating steps for their safe repatriation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day state visit to India, marked by a warm reception from PM Modi and discussions on strengthening bilateral ties. Key outcomes included a new economic cooperation program aiming for $100 billion trade by 2030 and a focus on peace efforts in Ukraine.