The Election Commission announced by-elections for six Rajya Sabha seats across four states. Polling is scheduled for December 20th, with vote counting on the same day. These by-elections follow recent assembly and Lok Sabha by-polls where BJP and allies performed strongly, while Congress secured both Lok Sabha seats. Nominations for the vacant Rajya Sabha seats close on December 10th.

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea to switch back to ballot paper voting. The petitioner cited concerns about EVM tampering. The court rejected the argument. The petitioner also suggested regulating money and liquor use in elections. They also wanted a voter education campaign. Congress raised similar concerns after recent election losses. The Election Commission found no evidence of procedural compromise.

Sadhguru condemned the arrest of an Iskcon priest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country's shift towards theocracy. India voiced concerns over the treatment of minorities following attacks and the priest's arrest for alleged disrespect to the national flag. Bangladesh authorities detained the priest, who was also facing charges related to a Hindu rally.

Devika Rotawan, a survivor of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, recounts the horrific night at CSMT when she was shot at age nine. Her testimony was crucial in convicting Ajmal Kasab. Sixteen years later, she lives with the physical and emotional scars, advocating for victims and an end to terrorism while awaiting promised housing.

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Indian Constitution at the old Parliament building. She released a commemorative coin and stamp, unveiled Sanskrit and Maithili versions of the Constitution, and launched two books on its making. Emphasizing its progressive nature, she urged citizens to uphold constitutional ideals and contribute to a developed India by 2047.

India's space agency, Isro, has ambitious plans. Shukrayaan, a Venus orbiter, is set for a 2028 launch. Chandrayaan 4, a joint mission with Japan, aims for a 2030 lunar landing and sample return. A Mars landing, a space station by 2035, and advancements in the INSAT series are also on the horizon.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced that schools and colleges in Delhi-NCR can resume physical classes, but online learning must also be offered. This hybrid model follows a Supreme Court directive, acknowledging challenges faced by students without online access or midday meals. Other GRAP-4 restrictions remain.

Tensions erupted in Udaipur between factions of the Mewar royal family following Vishvaraj Singh's coronation as the 77th Maharana. Denied entry to City Palace and Eklingnath Temple by Arvind Singh's faction, Vishvaraj Singh's supporters clashed with rivals, leading to stone-pelting. The district administration intervened, restoring order and initiating talks to resolve the dispute.

India celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Constitution on November 26th. Prime Minister Modi commemorated the occasion, highlighting the document's significance. This followed the Supreme Court's rejection of petitions challenging the 1976 amendment that added «socialist,» «secular,» and «integrity» to the Preamble.

Tensions flared in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to clashes and police firing. Opposition parties accused the BJP government of inciting communal unrest and orchestrating a riot. They demanded accountability for the violence and justice for the victims, while criticizing the administration's handling of the situation.

The Supreme Court overturned land allotments in Hyderabad to influential groups, including judges, officials, and journalists, deeming them arbitrary and discriminatory. The court criticized the policy for favoring the privileged and depriving the marginalized, ordering refunds to allottees.

The Supreme Court formed a three-member SIT to investigate allegations of custodial torture of two women arrested for protesting against the R G Kar hospital rape-murder and allegedly threatening an MP's daughter. This modifies the Calcutta High Court's order for a CBI probe, aiming to reduce the burden on the CBI and boost the morale of state police.

A retired Indian Army lieutenant general has voiced concerns about the performance of some women commanding officers, citing issues such as lack of empathy, over-centralized decision-making, and a misplaced sense of entitlement. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive gender-neutral policy and pragmatic performance analysis, emphasizing the lack of command training and operational experience among these officers.

The Supreme Court upheld the 1976 addition of «socialist» and «secular» to the Constitution's Preamble. The court clarified that these terms don't hinder private enterprise or prevent the government from addressing harmful religious practices. The ruling also affirmed the government's pursuit of a Uniform Civil Code, despite guaranteeing religious freedom.

Five people died in Sambhal following violent clashes during a court-ordered mosque survey. Police lodged FIRs against over 2,500 individuals, including an MP and an MLA's son, for allegedly inciting the mob. Internet services are suspended, and the area around the mosque remains sealed. The Samajwadi Party chief criticized the government, alleging a conspiracy.

The BJP is pushing to reinstate Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, despite opposition from its ally, the Shiv Sena. The NCP's Ajit Pawar faction supports Fadnavis's return. While the Shiv Sena prefers Eknath Shinde to remain CM, the BJP's substantial majority and support from the Pawar faction strengthen their position.

A 77-year-old Mumbai woman was scammed out of Rs 3.8 crore by cyber fraudsters posing as law enforcement. They kept her under «digital custody» for over a month via WhatsApp and Skype, threatening arrest in a fake money laundering case. The complainant, a homemaker, lives with her retired husband (75) in the city while her two children are abroad.

Hundreds defied curfew in Imphal East, Manipur, protesting the reimposition of AFSPA and the recent killing of six Meitei women and children. The protest, organized by civil society groups, highlighted public anger over the central government's handling of the ongoing ethnic conflict. Mobile internet services remain suspended.

Prime Minister Modi criticized frequent parliamentary disruptions, attributing them to members repeatedly rejected by voters. He urged reflection and respect for democratic principles, while the opposition demanded a discussion and probe into bribery allegations against the Adani Group, leading to the adjournment of the winter session's opening day. Modi's comments came two days after the BJP-led coalition won the Maharashtra assembly elections by a landslide, bagging 235 seats and reducing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi to 49 seats in the 288-member House.

Prime Minister Modi, at a global cooperative conference, proposed a global financial institution to support cooperatives worldwide. He launched the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, emphasizing cooperatives' role in social inclusion and economic empowerment, particularly for developing nations.