The Supreme Court questioned the criminalization of chanting «Jai Shri Ram» during an appeal against the Karnataka High Court's dismissal of a case involving two individuals accused of shouting the slogan in a mosque. The court questioned the identification of the accused and how the phrase constituted an offense.

In a Rajya Sabha debate, Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized PM Modi and the BJP for allegedly undermining the Constitution and pushing towards dictatorship through excessive devotion. He accused the BJP of dismantling the reservation system, opposing the caste census, and distorting historical legacies. Kharge also condemned the PM's handling of the Manipur crisis and unfulfilled promises.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Sambhal violence, stating that the truth will emerge. He countered opposition allegations, citing decreased communal riots since 2017. Adityanath highlighted Sambhal's history of unrest and vowed to hold those responsible for the recent stone-pelting accountable. A judicial commission will be formed to investigate the matter.

The Indian government has raised Rs 8,625 crore through minority stake sales in the current fiscal year 2024-25, according to Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary. Disinvestment targets have been discontinued since 2023-24. The government's disinvestment policy focuses on sectors where competitive markets exist, aiming to improve efficiency and attract capital through strategic investors.

Congress MP Mukul Wasnik criticized the BJP and RSS for their lack of female leadership. He highlighted the absence of women presidents in both organizations, contrasting it with Congress's history of female leaders like Annie Besant and Sarojini Naidu. Wasnik also defended Nehru's opposition to a «Hindu Pakistan» during partition, attributing the BJP's criticism of Nehru to this stance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held a joint press conference in New Delhi, emphasizing investment-led growth and connectivity as pillars of their strengthened partnership. India pledged support for infrastructure projects, including electricity grid connectivity and a petroleum pipeline, alongside educational and training initiatives. Wickremesinghe affirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to safeguarding Indian interests.

Delhi-NCR's air quality dipped sharply, triggering the implementation of GRAP stage III. Schools switched to hybrid learning for younger students, and older diesel vehicles faced stricter entry and operation restrictions within the city. These measures follow a recent relaxation of earlier pollution control restrictions.

The BJP has demanded the Congress party release letters written by Jawaharlal Nehru to Edwina Mountbatten and others, which were allegedly withdrawn from the Nehru Memorial Library in 2008 on Sonia Gandhi's orders. A library member, Rizwan Kadri, has requested Rahul Gandhi's intervention after receiving no response from Sonia Gandhi.

During a Rajya Sabha session, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge engaged in a lighthearted exchange with BJP MPs while discussing the Jana Sangha's historical stance on the Constitution. He criticized Prime Minister Modi's economic policies and questioned his contributions to strengthening democracy, highlighting the importance of past social welfare programs for the poor.

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 in the US on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the loss, praising Hussain's revolutionary impact on Indian classical music and his ability to connect diverse genres. Hussain's illustrious career included collaborations with renowned musicians across the globe, leaving a lasting legacy on the world music scene.

A Prime Minister's Museum member has appealed to Rahul Gandhi to retrieve letters written by Jawaharlal Nehru, including correspondence with Lady Mountbatten and Jayaprakash Narayan, allegedly removed on Sonia Gandhi's orders in 2008. The museum member, Rizwan Kadri, previously contacted Sonia Gandhi without response.

The Indian government is poised to introduce a bill for simultaneous elections, proposing a joint parliamentary committee for broader consultations. This committee will examine the 'One Nation One Election' Bill and its implications, including potential impacts on state and union territory assemblies, within a timeframe likely spanning three months.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore has raised concerns over the removal of a 1971 war photograph from Army HQ, calling it an attempt to erase history. He demands its reinstatement and an inquiry into similar incidents, emphasizing the need to preserve India's military heritage and the significance of the 1971 victory.

India celebrated Vijay Diwas on December 16, commemorating the 1971 war victory over Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah paid tribute to the soldiers' courage and sacrifice. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held in Kolkata, with Indian and Bangladeshi officers participating, honoring the historic victory and the liberation of Bangladesh.

Govt on Sunday evening dropped the two bills on one nation, one election from its revised list of business for Monday in Lok Sabha. Sources later said the two important bills will be introduced in the lower House by law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday. Sources cited the absence of home minister Amit Shah, who is on a two-day trip to Chhattisgarh, for the bills being deferred.

Several Maharashtra ministers, including deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, are under ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations for money laundering. These ministers, formerly in the opposition, joined the BJP alliance. Conversely, BJP's Girish Mahajan joined the cabinet after a CBI investigation cleared him of extortion and kidnapping charges, subsequently leading to charges against an IPS officer and others.

Congress criticized PM Modi, alleging his focus is on defaming Nehru rather than governance. They questioned Modi's reliance on Nehru as a distraction from his failures and current issues. Congress defended Nehru's first constitutional amendment, citing its necessity for addressing communal propaganda, protecting land reforms, and upholding reservations.