Parliament's winter session concluded amidst unprecedented chaos, marked by low productivity, protests, and even physical altercations. The session saw minimal legislative output, with only one bill passed. While debates on the Constitution's 75th anniversary offered a moment of reflection, the Speaker issued a stern warning against disruptive behavior as the session ended abruptly.
A murder accused, out on bail, was hacked to death in front of a Tirunelveli district court in Tamil Nadu. The victim, involved in a prior murder case, was attacked by a gang wielding sickles who mutilated his face. Police apprehended one assailant at the scene and arrested four others shortly after.
An Indian-American businessman, facing a hefty Rs 500 crore alimony payment to his first wife, has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay Rs 12 crore to his second wife after a brief marriage. The court criticized the second wife's demand for alimony equal to the first wife's, emphasizing that alimony aims to prevent destitution, not equalize wealth.
A deadly collision between an LPG tanker and a truck on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway resulted in a series of explosions, claiming 12 lives and injuring at least 33. The inferno engulfed over 40 vehicles, including sleeper buses. Ten bus passengers and a former IAS officer are missing.
A dispute over incense in a Kalyan building escalated into a Marathi vs. non-Marathi conflict, leading to the arrest of MTDC officer Akhilesh Shukla and two others for assaulting their Marathi neighbors. The incident sparked outrage in the Maharashtra assembly, with CM Fadnavis assuring strict action. Shukla denies making anti-Marathi remarks, claiming it was a personal dispute.
States pitched for special central packages during pre-budget consultations. They sought increased interest-free loans, disaster relief funds, and infrastructure support. Kerala requested a substantial package citing fiscal stress, while Punjab asked for an industrial package similar to J&K's. Several states also requested increased honorarium for ASHA workers.
Congress continues to demand Home Minister Amit Shah's apology and resignation for allegedly insulting B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament. They also demand an apology from PM Modi for supporting Shah's remarks. Congress leaders warn BJP will face consequences for their alleged attack on the Constitution. A scuffle between MPs led to police complaints from both BJP and Congress.
Following a parliamentary scuffle, BJP MPs protested against Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of assaulting two fellow MPs. They criticized his alleged disruptive behavior and «shameful attitude.» MPs claimed Gandhi pushed colleagues Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput during the incident.
Delhi Police's crime branch will investigate the assault case involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. A special team, led by Special Commissioner Devesh Shrivastava, will question Gandhi after a preliminary investigation. The team will also investigate a separate Congress complaint and review CCTV footage and witness statements.
A fatal highway accident near Jaipur involving an LPG tanker and a truck highlighted the lack of cloverleaves at the NH48-Ring Road junction. Unfinished four years after the road's inauguration, these missing exits force dangerous U-turns at Bhankrota and Mahapura, causing frequent accidents. Land acquisition issues and contractor problems have delayed the cloverleaf construction until March 2026.
The Indian Embassy in Tripoli is working to repatriate a group of Indian workers stranded in Libya due to improper documentation. The workers, who traveled via Dubai with the promise of cement factory jobs, are currently being assisted by the embassy with food and necessities while awaiting exit permits.
Two alleged drug traffickers, Jaswinder Singh and Jarnial Singh, were apprehended in Bishnah, Jammu, with 265 grams of a heroin-like substance, a pistol, and ammunition. Police intercepted their vehicle at a checkpoint acting on a tip-off. Both men have prior criminal records, with multiple FIRs lodged against them in various Jammu police stations. An investigation is underway.
BJP members and Hindu organizations protested in Coimbatore against the state government's handling of the funeral of S.A. Basha, a convict in the 1998 Coimbatore bombings. Police detained BJP state president K. Annamalai and other leaders for holding the unauthorized «Black Day» procession. Annamalai criticized the government for allegedly glorifying a terrorist responsible for 58 deaths.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc experienced internal friction during the winter session of Parliament, with regional parties challenging the Congress's leadership. Disagreements arose on issues like the Adani controversy and EVM usage. However, Amit Shah's Ambedkar remarks united the opposition in protest, offering a temporary reprieve for the Congress amidst its electoral struggles and alliance tensions.
BJP leader CT Ravi was arrested for derogatory remarks against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, sparking controversy over the legality of the arrest. Ravi's advocate argued the arrest violated Supreme Court guidelines. The Karnataka High Court granted Ravi bail, who then claimed the case was false and politically motivated.
India has accused Canada of supporting anti-India separatist agendas through unsubstantiated criminal allegations against Indian citizens. The Indian government has requested Canada to act against anti-India elements operating within its borders, while also investigating US-shared intelligence regarding organized crime and terrorism linked to Indian nationals. India assures its citizens abroad that their safety is a top priority.
The government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2025 season. Milling copra's MSP is set at Rs 11,582 per quintal, while ball copra's is Rs 12,100. This represents a substantial increase of over 120% since 2014. The hike aims to benefit coconut growers, boost copra production, and meet growing market demands.
Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi, arrested for derogatory remarks against a minister, accused the Congress government of acting like dictators. He alleged a conspiracy to kill him through a false case. Fellow BJP leader HD Kumaraswamy condemned the attack on Ravi and questioned the state's democratic values and police conduct.
Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman's house steps were demolished in an «anti-encroachment» drive. He was also fined ₹1.91 crore for alleged electricity theft and his power supply disconnected. Rehman faces charges related to November's mosque survey violence. His father, Mamlukur Rehman Barq, was booked for threatening officials during the electricity inspection.
Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan accused BJP MPs of feigning injuries during a parliamentary clash, suggesting their dramatic falls deserved acting awards. The confrontation stemmed from INDIA bloc protests against alleged disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Bachchan questioned the BJP's narrative, while Rahul Gandhi denied allegations of pushing and misbehavior.
A Bengaluru techie's mother has filed a habeas corpus plea in the Supreme Court seeking custody of her four-year-old grandson after her son's suicide. The techie had accused his wife and in-laws of harassment in a suicide note and video. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to Haryana, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh governments, with a hearing scheduled for January 7, 2025. The child's whereabouts are currently unknown.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized parliamentarians for frequent disruptions during the winter session, which concluded with only 40% productivity. He urged members to engage in meaningful debates instead of destructive behavior, emphasizing the need to restore public trust in democratic institutions. The session saw the formation of a joint parliamentary committee on simultaneous elections amidst continued opposition protests.
The World Bank approved an $800 million loan to develop Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh's new capital city. The funding will support infrastructure development and establish Amaravati as a well-managed, climate-resilient economic hub, creating jobs and improving residents' lives. The loan has a 29-year maturity period, including a six-year grace period.
A 17-year-old boy in Shahjahanpur, India, allegedly raped his 20-year-old neighbor. Police reported the accused entered the victim's home while she slept, forcibly took her to his residence, and assaulted her. The victim escaped and informed her family, who then filed a police report. The accused is currently at large, and the victim has undergone a medical examination.
The Supreme Court granted bail to two more convicts in the 1987 Hashimpura massacre case, where 38 Muslim men were killed by Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel. This follows the granting of bail to eight other convicts earlier this month.
Income Tax authorities unearthed 52kg of gold and Rs 10 crore cash from an abandoned vehicle near Bhopal, linked to raids on real estate firms. The operation, targeting 52 locations across three districts, focuses on Trishul Construction and its owner, Rajesh Sharma, along with associated individuals and companies.
BJP MP Aprajita Sarangi gave Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra a bag with '1984' printed on it, referencing the anti-Sikh riots. This followed a Parliament clash over Ambedkar, resulting in injuries to two BJP MPs. Priyanka Gandhi's support for Palestine and Bangladeshi minorities, displayed through bags, drew BJP criticism, with accusations of «appeasement» and comparisons to the «New Muslim League».
Former Karnataka minister CT Ravi, arrested for derogatory remarks against minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, alleges a murder conspiracy and police negligence. He claims a false case was filed and holds the Congress government responsible if anything happens to him. The BJP leader was detained following a heated argument between parties, sparking accusations and denials from both sides.
Putin expressed readiness to discuss Ukraine with Trump, highlighting a potential shift in US-Russia relations. He also boasted about Russia's «Oreshnik» hypersonic missile and challenged Western defense systems with a provocative test-launch proposal targeting Kyiv. Putin congratulated Trump on his election victory, expressing optimism for future US-Russia relations.