External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India's independent foreign policy, rejecting external influence on its decisions. He stressed the importance of embracing Indian heritage and tradition in a globalized world, advocating for a balance between progress and cultural identity. Jaishankar highlighted India's growing global influence and commitment to development while acknowledging existing challenges and the need for national self-belief.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic visit to Kuwait, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, attending the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony. Addressing the Indian diaspora, Modi lauded their contributions, describing Kuwait as a «mini-Hindustan» reflecting India's diverse talent. He emphasized India's potential as a global skill capital.

A Mumbai court sentenced a 37-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping and assaulting his partner's 11-year-old physically challenged daughter. The judge prioritized the victim's testimony, stating that her evidence holds greater weight. The victim recounted the assault, which occurred while her mother was at work. The accused threatened her into silence.

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the Northeast's economic potential, highlighting its role as India's export gateway via the Chittagong port. He urged banking institutions to tailor financial guidelines to the region's unique context, fostering growth in infrastructure, agriculture, and MSMEs.

Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the North Eastern Council, emphasized PM Modi's vision for the Northeast's development. He highlighted the significant infrastructure improvements, a 71% drop in violence, and the signing of peace treaties leading to over 10,000 armed youths joining mainstream society.

A landslide blocked the vital Tawaghat-Lipulekh road in Uttarakhand's Dharchula, stranding vehicles and cutting off access to three valleys. The BRO swiftly cleared the debris, restoring access late Saturday. The slide, likely caused by road widening, occurred near Tawaghat. Luckily, the reduced winter traffic prevented any casualties or property damage on this treacherous route to Kailash Mansarovar.

The UN celebrated the first World Meditation Day on December 21st, highlighting meditation's power for global peace. Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar emphasized meditation's universal accessibility and benefits, transcending religious and geographical boundaries. Millions participated in a record-breaking guided meditation livestream.

India's total forest and tree cover reached 25% of its geographical area, a slight increase since 2021. However, the actual increase in recorded forest area was minimal, raising concerns among environmentalists. Experts question the inclusion of plantations and trees outside designated forests in the assessment, emphasizing the need to focus on forest department efforts.

The Election Commission of India modified electoral rules, restricting public access to poll booth CCTV footage, citing voter privacy and safety. This change followed a court order to provide such footage. Congress criticized the move as damaging electoral transparency and vowed legal action.

Maharashtra's new government allocated portfolios a month after election results. Chief Minister Fadnavis kept Home while Deputy CM Shinde secured Urban Development, Housing, and Public Works. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar retained Finance and Planning, gaining Excise. Shinde's control over key urban bodies solidifies his position as second in command.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy assured freedom of religious practice for everyone during Christmas celebrations at LB Stadium. The government organized statewide festivities and pledged to protect the Christian community, particularly Dalit Christians, while promoting their welfare through special programs. Reddy commended Christian organizations for their contributions to education and healthcare.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia launched an internship program for young people interested in leadership and election campaigning. The program, running until the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, offers hands-on experience working with Sisodia's team. Eligible applicants must be Delhi voters and at least 18 years old, enrolled in an educational program.

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.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy criticized actor Allu Arjun for attending a Pushpa-2 screening despite police denial, alleging his presence led to a fatal stampede. Reddy highlighted Allu Arjun's roadshow amidst the chaos and contrasted the support he received from film personalities with the lack of empathy for the stampede victim's injured son.

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.