Over 22 individuals tragically lost their lives due to drowning during Chhath festivities in Bihar, India, with Rohtas district reporting the highest number of incidents. The drownings occurred in various rivers and ponds, highlighting the dangers associated with the religious observance.

The Supreme Court ruled that government-run PSUs cannot unilaterally appoint sole arbitrators or use curated panels for disputes with contractors. This decision, based on the principle of equal treatment, deems such clauses unconstitutional and emphasizes fairness in arbitration proceedings.

Kerala police investigations into the controversial WhatsApp groups, «Mallu Hindu Officers» and «Mallu Muslim Officers,» revealed that IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan's phone, used to create the groups, was not hacked. Technical analysis from WhatsApp, Google, and the officer's ISP contradicted his claims, indicating the phone was secure during the groups' creation.

Eleven security guards in Ahmedabad, India, were caught stealing submersible pumps worth Rs 4 lakh from the industrial unit they were hired to protect. They planned the heist during the Diwali holidays, cutting off power and CCTV cameras, but were exposed by a battery-operated camera.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Maharashtra campaign trail, accused Congress of employing divisive tactics to secure political advantage. He alleged that Congress aims to weaken India by inciting discord among Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs. Modi emphasized the importance of unity, stating that a united India is a secure India.

Shiv Sena (UBT)on Friday, criticized the 'Mahayuti alliance', claiming that there is significant confusion within the alliance due to a lack of consensus among the Mahayuti parties.

Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as BJP MLAs staged a parallel «session» after being evicted for protesting a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370. BJP leader Sunil Sharma criticized the NC-led government, accusing them of separatism and threatening a «parallel govt». Inside the assembly, other MLAs addressed concerns over employee verifications and reservation policies.

A Gujarat family held an elaborate burial ceremony for their 12-year-old Wagon R, which they believe brought them luck and prosperity. The ceremony, costing around Rs 4 lakh, involved lowering the car into a specially dug pit and covering it with soil, following Hindu rituals.

Central and state law enforcement agencies convened in New Delhi, emphasizing a unified strategy against terrorism, particularly cyber and financial threats. Home Secretary Govind Mohan stressed capacity building, urging states to send officers to NIA for training and advocating for real-time data sharing among agencies.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dismissed allegations of a CID investigation into a snack mix-up, calling it an internal CID matter. The controversy arose when snacks meant for the CM were mistakenly served to his security staff. BJP leader Jairam Thakur criticized the government's handling of the situation, hosting a samosa party in protest.

During a rally in Dhule, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, alleging a lack of unity and leadership. Modi accused the MVA of trying to undermine the state's women's welfare program, Majhi Ladki Bahan Yojana, and highlighted their disrespectful remarks towards women.

Canada has updated its visa policy, shifting away from long-term multiple-entry visas. Visa officers will now decide whether to issue single or multiple-entry visas with varying durations. This change, coupled with existing processing delays, is expected to significantly impact Indian travelers, particularly those visiting family or tourist destinations like Alaska and Niagara.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. He condemned their alleged derogatory comments about women. The Prime Minister emphasized that women in Maharashtra should be cautious of the alliance members. He stated that the people of Maharashtra are witnessing the disrespectful behavior of the alliance towards women.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu clarified a recent controversy surrounding a CID probe into snacks meant for him that were mistakenly served to his security staff. Sukhu emphasized that the CID's involvement stemmed from alleged misbehavior, not the food itself. The BJP criticized the incident, linking it to the state's financial struggles and the Congress party's policies.

During a rally in Simdega, Jharkhand, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of aiming to dismantle the Indian Constitution. He positioned the INDIA alliance as defenders of the Constitution, contrasting them with the BJP and RSS. Gandhi emphasized the Constitution's embodiment of values from figures like Birsa Munda and Ambedkar, highlighting its role in safeguarding marginalized communities.

Uttarakhand has made significant strides in healthcare over the past 24 years, establishing five government medical colleges and implementing the Ayushman Card scheme to provide affordable treatment. The state has also prioritized opening new hospitals, upgrading existing facilities, and establishing cancer care units to expand access to quality healthcare for all residents.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory, expressing confidence in strengthened India-US ties. Gandhi also commended Vice President Kamala Harris for her campaign, highlighting their shared commitment to democratic values and deepened cooperation during the Biden administration.

The Rajasthan government appealed to the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing regarding the closure of approximately 23,000 mines in the state. The closure follows a National Green Tribunal ruling that mandated environmental clearances for mining leases. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal, which seeks an extension for compliance with environmental regulations.

Uttarakhand is experiencing a development surge under Chief Minister Dhami and central government support. Key projects include a new AIIMS center, expressway construction, and railway expansion. The state will also host the National Games and benefit from the Vibrant Village Programme for border areas. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and connectivity, positioning Uttarakhand for significant progress.

For over a decade, Kishore Meshram has made a monthly 85km journey to Nagpur for his son's life-saving blood transfusions, highlighting the plight of countless impoverished tribals battling thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia. The Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Centre (TSCC) in Nagpur has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing free transfusions, consultations, and advocating for prenatal screening to combat these preventable genetic disorders.

The Rajasthan government has appealed to the Supreme Court to prevent the closure of approximately 23,000 mines. The closure, ordered by the National Green Tribunal, is due to a lack of reappraisal by state environmental authorities. The state government argues that the closures will lead to unemployment and economic disruption.

Relates to graft in issuance of lease deed for valuable land

To combat rising air pollution, India has doubled the fines for farmers burning crop residue in several northern states. The increased penalties, ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000, took effect immediately. Despite a decrease in burning this season, over 400,000 cases have been reported across six states, with Punjab accounting for the majority.

The Supreme Court has ordered the liquidation of Jet Airways after the Jalan Kalrock Consortium, the winning bidder, failed to deposit the first installment of the resolution plan. The court invoked its special powers to order the liquidation, citing the consortium's violations and the lack of progress in reviving the airline.

A station master's casual «OK» during a heated phone argument with his wife was misconstrued as authorization to dispatch a train. This mistake cost the railways Rs 3 crore and led to the station master's suspension, fueling a tumultuous 12-year divorce battle that ultimately reached the Chhattisgarh High Court.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has put forward proposals to streamline the insolvency process for real estate projects. These proposals aim to allow the registration of properties owned by insolvent real estate companies if homebuyers have cleared dues and received possession. The IBBI also suggests that homebuyers should be exempt from certain eligibility criteria when bidding for such projects.

Medical colleges in India are facing scrutiny for a disproportionately high number of ragging complaints, with over 40% of all complaints originating from these institutions. Anti-ragging activists argue that despite the alarming number of complaints, including cases resulting in student suicides, colleges and authorities often fail to take appropriate action, highlighting the urgent need for effective anti-ragging measures and accountability.

A tragic accident in Jammu & Kashmir's Reasi district claimed the lives of four individuals, including a young girl. The driver of an SUV lost control, causing the vehicle to plummet into a gorge. Three occupants died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Two others are currently receiving medical treatment.