Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted by heated protests from the opposition, accusing Home Minister Amit Shah of insulting B.R. Ambedkar. Prime Minister Modi defended Shah, dismissing the resignation demands as theatrics and accusing the opposition of spreading falsehoods.
India and China's Special Representatives held their first talks in five years, marking significant progress in normalizing ties. They affirmed the recent border disengagement agreement, discussed maintaining peace, and agreed on a roadmap for improving relations. Resuming the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and boosting cross-border cooperation were also key outcomes.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a new healthcare initiative, 'Sanjeevani,' promising free treatment for all Delhi residents over 60 at state-run and private facilities if re-elected. The scheme will utilize a card system, with registration beginning soon. This counters the central government's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which Delhi hasn't implemented.
Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress of doctoring his Rajya Sabha speech and spreading falsehoods after being exposed as anti-Ambedkar, anti-Constitution, and anti-reservation. Shah asserted that BJP is exploring legal options and challenged Congress's demand for his resignation, highlighting their historical opposition to Ambedkar.
A tragic boat collision near Mumbai claimed 13 lives and injured several others on Wednesday. A Navy vessel collided with a passenger ferry, leading to a major rescue operation. Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu expressed condolences and announced financial aid for the victims' families. Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis also announced compensation and a joint investigation into the incident.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) uncovered that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) granted undue benefits exceeding ₹203 crore to highway developers in Maharashtra by reducing penalties. The CAG report also highlighted deficiencies in seven other projects, including poor construction and maintenance, leading to revenue loss and blocked public funds.
X notified Congress leaders for sharing clips of Home Minister Amit Shah's Rajya Sabha speech on the Constitution's 75th anniversary, following a complaint from the Home Ministry. Shah's remarks, criticizing Congress's stance on reservation and Ambedkar, sparked outrage and demands for an apology. Shah subsequently clarified his statements, accusing Congress of distorting his words and launching a malicious campaign.
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report revealed significant flaws in the Income Tax department's functioning, including non-sharing of data, exaggerated tax demands, and delays in implementing appeal orders. The report highlighted a massive Rs 14.41 lakh crore outstanding tax demand, with 73% under dispute, and systemic issues hindering recovery efforts.
Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Umang Singhar led a protest against the BJP government, highlighting rising unemployment and unfulfilled promises. Singhar accused the BJP of failing to create jobs and pushing the state into a financial crisis, while the BJP dismissed the protest as a political stunt.
NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal urged supporters to protest civilly against his exclusion from the Maharashtra cabinet. Bhujbal claimed Chief Minister Fadnavis supported his inclusion, but Deputy CM Ajit Pawar blocked it. OBC groups protested the decision, while NCP state president Sunil Tatkare assured resolution and cited Pawar's illness for his absence from legislative proceedings.
Union Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar sparked a political clash in Parliament. Congress protested, leading to adjournments. The BJP defended Shah, accusing Congress of misusing Ambedkar's name and highlighting their past actions against him. Congress demanded Shah's resignation, citing his remarks as disrespectful to Ambedkar and the Constitution.
China and India are preparing for high-level talks aimed at improving bilateral relations. The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will focus on border issues, including finding a resolution to the boundary question. This follows recent disengagement agreements and patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after a prolonged standoff.
Oman halted new import permits for Indian table eggs, impacting Namakkal's poultry industry. This follows Qatar's recent weight restrictions, stranding a large egg shipment. Exports to Oman, previously accounting for 50% of India's egg exports, have drastically declined since June, causing hardship for Indian exporters.
In Nagpur, Uddhav Thackeray questioned the BJP's inaction on awarding Bharat Ratna to Veer Savarkar. He urged a focus on development issues over historical debates. Thackeray congratulated CM Fadnavis on the election win and held a closed-door meeting, sparking speculation about the opposition leader's post. Both leaders expressed a desire for cultured political discourse in Maharashtra.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will focus solely on administering entrance exams for higher education institutions starting next year, discontinuing recruitment tests. Discussions are underway to determine whether NEET-UG will be conducted online or offline. The NTA aims to implement recommendations for secure exam practices and ensure error-free testing.
The Supreme Court collegium reprimanded Allahabad High Court Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav for his controversial speech at a VHP event. The collegium advised him to maintain judicial dignity and exercise caution in public speeches, particularly regarding remarks about the Muslim community and the Uniform Civil Code, following complaints from lawyers and politicians.
A BBC documentary, «Children of the Bombs,» exposes the devastating impact of crude bombs in West Bengal politics. Since 1996, at least 565 children have been killed or injured, often mistaking bombs for toys. The film features heartbreaking accounts from survivors like Puchi and Poulami, who lost limbs in explosions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah's Rajya Sabha address on the Constitution's 75th anniversary sparked a strong reaction from Congress. They labeled his speech as «full of lies,» accusing him of praising PM Modi and attacking Congress. Party leaders Kharge, Ramesh, and Singh challenged Shah's claims, citing inaccuracies regarding Ambedkar's statue, Nehru's policies, and the situation in J&K.
Delhi Metro's Yellow Line will experience service disruptions between Jahangirpuri and Samaypur Badli from 10:45 pm to end of service, and from start of service until 7:02 am on December 28th and 29th. Four stations will be closed. Red Line services from Keshav Puram to Rithala will be unavailable after 11:30 pm from December 24th to December 31st.
Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav appeared before the Supreme Court collegium to address his controversial remarks on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Justice Yadav had advocated for the UCC as a means to eliminate unequal legal systems, sparking debate and prompting the Supreme Court's intervention.
