A bandh in Imphal Valley disrupted life due to the arrest of six armed men and one death in a Thoubal gunfight. Shops closed, vehicles halted, and supporters vandalized cars. The arrested individuals were accused of being PREPAK members involved in extortion, but bandh supporters claimed they were village volunteers defending against armed Kuki men.
A man allegedly entered Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman's house in Sambhal and threatened him. A case was filed against an unidentified youth. Police are investigating the incident. Zia ur Rehman, already implicated in a violent November 24 clash, has also faced recent allegations of power theft and anti-encroachment actions.
Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre for conducting former PM Manmohan Singh's cremation at Nigambodh Ghat rather than an official memorial site. They assert it disrespects Singh's legacy and the dignity of his former position. BJP responds, defending preparations for a future memorial while accusing Congress of politicising the issue.
BJP president JP Nadda criticized Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly exploiting the legacy of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for political gain after his death. Nadda condemned the Congress party’s history of disrespect towards Singh and contrasted it with the BJP’s respectful actions.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts cold wave conditions across North India, with significant temperature drops and severe cold day conditions affecting multiple regions until early January. Delhi records its wettest December in over a century, marking a significant improvement in air quality due to the heavy rainfall.
The Supreme Court has given the Punjab government until December 31 to convince farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, on a month-long hunger strike, to move to a hospital. The court criticized the state's failure to provide medical aid and suggested those blocking assistance could be abetting suicide.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) released its first list of 11 candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, fielding candidates in various constituencies against some prominent figures from other parties. The elections are scheduled for February next year, with other parties also announcing their candidates.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar met Congressman Michael Waltz during his US visit, discussing bilateral partnerships. Waltz is set to become National Security Advisor on January 20, under President-elect Donald Trump. Jaishankar also engaged with the Indian Embassy and Consuls General in Washington, DC.
Manmohan Singh's daughter Daman's book reveals that while studying at Cambridge, Singh struggled financially, often surviving on Cadbury's chocolate instead of full meals. Despite difficulties, he excelled academically, avoiding borrowing money and maintaining a strong connection to his roots. The book also highlights his sense of humor and affectionate nicknames for family and friends.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, praised for the 2008 US-India Civil Nuclear Deal and economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi. Tributes from figures like Condoleezza Rice, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Justin Trudeau highlight his contributions to India's economy, poverty alleviation, and international relations.
US President Joe Biden expressed condolences on the passing of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh, praising his transformative leadership in economic liberalization and strategic US-India relations. Singh, who led India from 2004 to 2014, was lauded for his reforms and landmark legislations. Biden highlighted personal interactions and Singh's significant contributions to global cooperation.
SP MLA Rafiq Ansari was acquitted in a 1995 riot and arson case by the MP-MLA court due to lack of evidence. The case involved allegations of rioting and arson during a protest against slaughtered animals. Ansari faced multiple warrants and was detained for nearly 50 days, but all co-accused were previously acquitted.
MMS, renowned for his integrity in Indian politics, remained honorable despite a coal scam accusation during his tenure as Prime Minister. Admirable for his simplicity, candor, and dedication, he kept his family away from public life. Known for valuing education, his legacy is profoundly respected, and his character is cherished.
Congress honors the late Dr. Manmohan Singh, praising his impact as an economist, academician, and Prime Minister. The party plans to continue his legacy of economic liberalization, reforms like the RTI Act, and significant GDP growth. Dr. Singh exemplified the coexistence of grace with power.
The Supreme Court ordered Punjab's chief secretary and police chief to explain non-compliance with its directive for hospitalising fasting farmer Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Despite efforts by state ministers, protesters refused to allow his hospitalisation. The court emphasised the state's responsibility for Dallewal's health and warned of contempt proceedings.
Homeopaths in Maharashtra, who have completed a certificate course in modern pharmacology, are now permitted by the FDA to prescribe allopathic medicines. This move follows the 2016 state government amendment to the Maharashtra Medical Council Act. While homeopathic practitioners welcome the directive, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) plans to challenge it legally.
Police concluded that the killing of former state minister Baba Siddique was ordered by gangster Anmol Bishnoi due to Siddique's proximity to actor Salman Khan. Police found no evidence linking the murder to Slum Rehabilitation Authority disputes. Charges will be filed against 26 accused, including absconders Anmol Bishnoi and Shubam Lonkar.
A brave farmer in Nashik's Vihitgaon saved his four-year-old son from a leopard attack by grabbing the animal’s hind legs, causing it to release the child and flee. The boy sustained neck injuries and was hospitalized, but is now in stable condition. Forest officials have set up a cage to capture the leopard.
A declassified document found at Osama bin Laden's Abbottabad hideout calls the 2008 Mumbai attacks a «heroic Fidai operation». Al-Qaida and Lashkar-e-Taiba figures orchestrated the incident, with Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki playing a crucial role. Makki maintained alliances with high-profile terrorists, contributing to significant attacks. His recent death closes a dark chapter in global terrorism.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the BJP-led government's decision to conduct former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's last rites at Nigambodh Ghat, deeming it an insult. The Congress had proposed a memorial location, but the government has not responded officially. State funeral arrangements proceed at Nigambodh Ghat.
Manmohan Singh prioritized India's development in shaping foreign policy, leveraging ties with the US for the civil nuclear deal and initiatives like iCET, focused on stable global relationships, regional cooperation, and values-based diplomacy. Singh advanced relations with China, ASEAN, and initiated India’s Look West Policy.
The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the government will allocate space for a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Union Minister Amit Shah communicated this decision to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Singh's family. This response followed criticism from Congress regarding the planned cremation at Nigambodh Ghat, describing it as an insult to Singh's legacy.
A joint team of police and administrative officials in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district attached properties of three Pakistan-based terrorists under CrPC in connection with an FIR. The action involved properties worth approximately Rs 18.5 lakhs, following the orders from the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Kotranka.
Katra town continues its shutdown for the third day against the proposed ropeway project, which locals believe would harm their livelihood and religious traditions. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti extended the agitation and criticized the administration's handling of the situation. Meanwhile, the Shrine Board is ensuring pilgrims' needs are met.
Former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, deeply connected to his ancestral village Gah in Pakistan, faced tragedy there, impacting his decision never to return. His legacy includes efforts towards Indo-Pak harmony and is fondly remembered by villagers mourning his passing at age 92 in Delhi.
China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, aiming to develop clean energy and address climate change. Despite assurances from China about the project's safety and ecological measures, concerns arise in India and Bangladesh regarding potential control over water flows. The project faces engineering challenges due to its seismic location.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish a memorial for the late Dr. Manmohan Singh, highlighting his pivotal role in transforming India’s economy and his global reputation. Singh, who passed away at 92, is lauded for his significant contributions and integrity.
The Centre has released a draft national policy framework suggesting states move toward a unified national market for agricultural produce, incorporating uniform licensing, single fees, private market setups, and digital infrastructure. The proposal aims to increase market efficiency but has faced criticism for lacking minimum support price guarantees for farmers.
Private Indian airports will invest over Rs 60,000 crore in infrastructure by fiscal 2027, aiming to handle 65 million more passengers annually. Revenue is projected to rise 17% due to increased traffic and tariff hikes. Despite 70% capex funded by debt, robust credit profiles are expected. Aeronautical revenue will grow by 24%, supported by higher tariffs.