Congress opposed the changes made by Centre that restricted the public availability of certain electronic poll records. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the party will challenge the changes in court. The ECI says the changes protect voter privacy. Congress, however, says the changes reduce transparency.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis retained key portfolios including Home, Law, and Judiciary, while Deputy CM Eknath Shinde received Urban Development and Public Works. NCP leader and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar secured the Finance Ministry. The portfolio allocations, announced after weeks of negotiations, follow the recent cabinet expansion of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP coalition government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kuwait, emphasizing India's support for Kuwait's development and praising the Indian diaspora's contributions. He highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, driven by shared economic aspirations and strong cultural ties. Modi also interacted with the Indian community and acknowledged their role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a new reward and punishment system to improve safety. Zero-derailment zones will receive a «Shield Award» and cash, while zones with the most derailments will be ineligible for awards.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited an Indian labor camp in Kuwait, highlighting his commitment to the diaspora's welfare. He has consistently engaged with Indian workers abroad, addressing their concerns and implementing initiatives like the e-Migrate project to ensure safe and legal migration. Bilateral agreements and relief efforts further demonstrate his focus on protecting Indian workers' rights and well-being.

Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, Ajmer Dargah's spiritual head, lauded RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's call to avoid new temple disputes. Bhagwat's advice against creating further religious conflicts, particularly after the Sambhal Jama Masjid survey and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah petition, was praised as promoting national unity and progress. He emphasized the importance of harmony and acknowledged the Ram Temple's significance while discouraging further discord.

AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi criticized actor Allu Arjun for his alleged insensitive response to a fatal stampede at a Pushpa 2 screening. Owaisi claimed Arjun, upon hearing of the death and injuries, remarked about the film's success and continued watching. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy condemned Arjun's actions and revealed the actor defied police denial of security permission for the event.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that cabinet portfolio assignments are expected imminently, either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. This follows the recent swearing-in of 39 ministers before the winter legislative session concluded. While Fadnavis, along with deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, took oath earlier this month, the allocation of ministerial portfolios within the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance government has been pending.

Home minister Amit Shah highlighted the Modi government's achievements in the Northeast, citing 20 peace accords and 9,000 militant surrenders. He emphasized a shift in policing strategies, focusing on justice delivery. Shah underscored infrastructure investments and the potential of the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh to boost the region's economy.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, 89, passed away on Friday. The five-time chief minister was cremated with state honors in Sirsa on Saturday. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, acknowledging Chautala's contributions to Haryana's development and his championing of farmers' interests. His son, Abhay Singh Chautala, vowed to continue his father's legacy.

BJP MLC C T Ravi, recently arrested and released for allegedly using derogatory language against a minister, claims a threat to his life and accuses the government of conspiracy. He alleges being taken to isolated locations during his arrest and demands protection, holding the government responsible for his safety. Ravi maintains respectful behavior and calls for a judicial investigation into police conduct.

Congress plans nationwide protests demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation for alleged disrespect towards Ambedkar. The party has declared a week-long campaign including press conferences, marches, and a memorandum to the President. They accuse Shah of mocking the invocation of Ambedkar's name during a parliamentary discussion on the Constitution.

India and Russia strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation during a joint working group meeting in Moscow. Both nations discussed combating radicalization, terror financing, and the misuse of technology for terrorism. Russia reiterated its support for India's permanent UN Security Council seat, echoing endorsements from other world leaders. India's bid highlights its growing global influence and peacekeeping contributions.

Prime Minister Modi invites everyone to experience the Rann Utsav in Gujarat's Kutch, showcasing its unique culture, arts, crafts, and historical sites like Dholavira. The festival, running until February 28, highlights the region's transformation from past disasters into a hub of tourism and cultural preservation, recognized by the UN.

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.

PM Modi visited Kuwait to strengthen bilateral ties. Congress criticized the trip. They pointed to the ongoing violence in Manipur. The party urged the PM to visit the affected region. The violence started in May last year. It involves clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Many lives have been lost.

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.