India’s forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. Forest cover alone rose by 156 sq km, reaching 21.76% of the country’s total geographical area. Tree cover also expanded by 1,289 sq km. The overall green cover now stands at 25.17% of India’s land.

A tanker truck carrying LPG collided with another truck on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan, India, resulting in a massive fire that killed 14 people and injured 28 others. The ensuing blaze destroyed 37 vehicles. Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for the victims and their families. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.

India and France partnered to transform New Delhi's North and South Blocks into the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted this as a key cultural collaboration and a demonstration of India's soft power. The museum will showcase India's 5,000-year history and is envisioned as a global cultural landmark.

The Supreme Court clarified the scope of cheque bouncing cases. A director signing a company cheque for a personal loan is not liable under Section 138 if it bounces. The court emphasized the cheque must be from the individual's account. This decision impacts the 36 lakh pending cheque bounce cases. The director might still face cheating charges.

Hardeep Singh Puri and Shashi Tharoor clashed over a 2009 New York dinner with George Soros. Puri said Tharoor, then a minister, gave him the guest list including Soros. Tharoor had previously tweeted about meeting Soros. The BJP questioned Soros's intentions toward India. Tharoor denied any ongoing relationship or funding from Soros. The BJP accused Congress of working with Soros.

PM Modi will visit Kuwait on December 21-22. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. The visit will enhance ties between India and Kuwait. Discussions will cover trade, defense, and energy cooperation. PM Modi will meet Kuwaiti leaders and the Indian diaspora. He will also attend the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony.

The Supreme Court slammed the misuse of temporary contracts. The court highlighted the exploitation of workers, especially in the gig economy. The court ordered reinstatement of sweepers who worked for two decades. The sweepers were employed by the Central Water Commission. The court ordered back wages for the sweepers. The court stressed fair employment practices for government organizations.

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.