Rahul Gandhi has been summoned by a Lucknow court for allegedly defaming Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. During his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi reportedly called Savarkar a British servant and pensioner. The court found these remarks spread hatred and ill will, scheduling Gandhi's appearance for January 10, 2025, to face charges under Sections 153A and 505 of the IPC.

Tragedy struck a promotional event for Allu Arjun's «Pushpa 2» in Hyderabad, resulting in one death and another critical injury. Police attribute the chaos to the actor's actions, stating his gesture from his vehicle's sunroof incited the crowd. They refute claims of inadequate security, asserting the organizers failed to properly coordinate with authorities.

Uproar in Rajya Sabha as opposition parties moved a no-confidence motion against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing partisan conduct. Heated exchanges ensued, with Dhankhar and Congress President Kharge clashing over speaking time and alleged insults. The Rajya Sabha adjourned until December 16 after failing to resolve the impasse.

The Supreme Court urged protesting farmers at the Shambhu border to adopt Gandhian protest methods and consider moving from highways due to harsh weather. A high-powered committee will engage with farmers, while the court stressed against using force, especially concerning the fasting farmer leader Dallewal.

EAM S Jaishankar addressed India's foreign policy in Parliament, emphasizing the «neighborhood first» approach. He acknowledged concerns about regional dynamics, particularly with Bangladesh, citing minority treatment and developmental partnerships. Jaishankar stressed India's commitment to regional stability and cooperation, while also highlighting the need for Pakistan to address terrorism concerns for improved bilateral ties.

India bolsters its defence capabilities with a Rs 21,100 crore investment in 100 K-9 Vajra artillery guns and 12 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. This procurement addresses the need for enhanced firepower in high-altitude regions and replaces aging aircraft, contributing to a stronger national security posture.

In a heartwarming display of unity, villagers in Assam's Jorhat district rescued four wild elephants, including a struggling calf, trapped in a pond. Hearing the elephants' distressed cries, the villagers quickly mobilized, using tools to carve a makeshift escape route.

The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights issued an advisory to singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, restricting songs mentioning alcohol, drugs, or violence at his upcoming concert. This follows a similar notice in Telangana. The commission warned of penal action for non-compliance, citing potential harm to children. A complaint alleges Dosanjh used altered lyrics in previous performances despite similar restrictions.

A Delhi court acquitted six individuals, including a former coal secretary and company executives, in a coal scam case. The court found no evidence of cheating or misrepresentation by Navbharat Power Pvt Ltd (later Brahmani Thermal Power) in obtaining Odisha coal blocks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on the implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) as a 'historic initiative' to foster regional connectivity and prosperity during his meeting with United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Government data reveals significant gender disparity in leadership roles within public sector banks, with men holding most chairman and managing director positions. While women's representation in legislatures has increased over time, including a rise in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, leadership in financial institutions remains predominantly male.

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the renovated Thanthai Periyar memorial and library at Vaikom. Stalin emphasized creating societal equality, while Vijayan highlighted cooperation amidst encroachment on states' rights. Both leaders commemorated the Vaikom Satyagraha centenary, a pivotal struggle for equality.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and his faction visited NCP chief Sharad Pawar on his birthday, sparking reunion rumors. Both factions, previously engaged in fierce campaigns against each other, discussed the Parbhani violence, Parliament disruption, and cabinet expansion.

India voted with 158 other countries at the UN General Assembly for resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and access to humanitarian aid. The assembly also supported the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), despite Israel's ban on its operations, urging Israel to respect international law and allow aid delivery.

The Jharkhand High Court has temporarily halted a state law mandating 75% job reservation for locals in private companies. The court's decision follows a legal challenge by an industry association arguing the law violates constitutional equality principles. The ruling JMM party plans to appeal the stay, while emphasizing the government's intent to boost local employment.

The Supreme Court will hear a petition challenging a Karnataka High Court decision. The HC quashed criminal proceedings against individuals who shouted «Jai Shri Ram» inside a mosque. The petitioner argues that the HC's decision was premature as the police investigation was incomplete and the act could incite communal disharmony.

A mosque on the Uday Pratap College campus in Varanasi is under double lock after a land dispute resurfaced. Students locked the mosque gates following protests sparked by a waqf board's claim, later withdrawn, on the mosque's land. The college administration holds the second set of keys, halting prayers and preventing further disputes.

The Union Cabinet approved bills for «one nation, one election,» aiming to synchronize Lok Sabha, state, and local body polls. This move seeks to streamline governance and reduce election-related expenses. While BJP and allies support the initiative, several parties oppose it, sparking debate about its feasibility and impact on India's democracy.

Congress criticized the government's clearance of simultaneous polls bills, calling it a diversionary tactic. They expressed concerns about the bills' impact on federalism and electoral integrity, citing Modi's past actions as inconsistent with the «one nation, one election» slogan. The party reiterated its stance that the concept violates the Constitution's basic structure.

Supreme Court overturned a Gujarat high court ruling, acquitting in-laws accused of abetting a woman's suicide. The court emphasized that harassment alone isn't enough for conviction; clear intent to provoke suicide is necessary. While acknowledging alleged cruelty, the court upheld charges, ensuring the trial continues.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh submitted a privilege motion against Union minister Kiren Rijiju for derogatory remarks towards opposition leaders. Rijiju's comments deemed opposition MPs «unworthy» of their positions after they moved a no-confidence motion against vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar. Ghosh's motion, backed by 60 opposition MPs, criticizes Rijiju's language and alleged misuse of his office.

The Supreme Court urged the Delhi High Court Bar Association to find solutions for women's reservation in its elections, suggesting it could be a model for other bar bodies. The court will review proposed solutions next week, while concerns were raised about potential delays to other bar association elections due to the reservation issue.

A Delhi court will decide on December 19 whether to transfer the terror-funding case against newly elected MP Engineer Rashid to a special court. Rashid, jailed since 2019, won the Baramulla seat in the 2024 elections. The NIA alleges Rashid's involvement with Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin in a conspiracy to wage war against India and create unrest in Kashmir.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted searches at 19 locations across seven states and a Union Territory, uncovering incriminating materials related to a Jaish-e-Mohammed conspiracy. The operation targeted associates of Sheikh Sultan Salah Uddin Ayubi, a JeM operative arrested for his role in disseminating propaganda and recruiting youth.