BJP criticized Congress for allegedly politicizing the death of former PM Manmohan Singh, rebutting claims about the funeral's arrangements. The BJP cited adherence to state protocol and security restrictions while Congress accused BJP of showing disrespect and disrupting the proceedings. Both parties exchanged accusations over the events following Singh's death.
Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee criticises sports and film celebrities for remaining silent on the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He views this silence as a fear of government backlash and points out their previous indifference to key national issues, urging citizens to stop glorifying such figures.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin emphasized the lasting ideological alliance between Dravidianism and communism at an event commemorating CPI veteran R Nallakannu's birth centenary. He reaffirmed that despite occasional political regroupings, their shared commitment against casteism, communalism, majoritarianism, and autocracy remains strong.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya is expected to be completed by June 2025, with final touches extending to September 2025. Key updates include the progress on the temple's rising tower, its museum with 85 murals, and the rampart. Final statue inspections are set for January 2025.
Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, remains shut for the fifth day due to protests against a proposed ropeway project. BJP MLA Baldev Raj Sharma threatens a hunger strike for the release of detained demonstrators. Shops and transportation in Katra are at a standstill, disrupting life for thousands of pilgrims.
Four workers died after inhaling toxic gas at Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited's plant in Dahej, Bharuch district. The incident took place around 10 pm on Saturday when gas leaked from a pipe. The workers were taken to a private hospital but succumbed to the gas fumes. An investigation into the tragedy is underway.
A team of Army doctors from various military hospitals restored the eyesight of more than 250 veterans in a three-day operation in Dehradun, utilizing advanced equipment. The initiative, proposed by Lt Gen (retired) Gurmit Singh and instructed by Lt Gen Sadhana Saxena Nair, aimed to help veterans in remote Himalayan locations.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk visited hunger-striking farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal at the Khanauri border protest site to show solidarity. Dallewal, 70, has been fasting since November 26 to demand a legal guarantee for MSP. The Supreme Court has given Punjab government until December 31 to persuade Dallewal to move to a hospital.
Two youths linked to the Nov 24 Sambhal violence were arrested by UP police in Delhi's Batla House. They had reportedly sought refuge in Jamia. Police are investigating connections between the violence and areas in Delhi, and have identified suspects from videos, arresting at least 50 individuals so far.
Telangana High Court ruled a single parent with custody can obtain a child's passport without the other parent's consent. Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya set aside a contrary requirement, finding it unnecessary. The 1980 Passport Rules allow this if the custodial parent provides prescribed information. This applies even if parents are separated but not formally divorced.
Madras high court has formed an all-women SIT of IPS officers to probe the Anna University rape case and ordered Rs 25 lakh compensation to the survivor. The compensation will come from the salaries of the police who leaked the FIR. The court also mandated the university to waive all charges for the survivor.
The Karnataka CID's Special Investigation Team, probing rape charges against BJP MLA Munirathna Naidu and other allegations involving his associates, including a police official, has submitted a 2,481-page chargesheet. It details accusations of prolonged rape, evidence destruction, and conspiracy, including targeting rivals with HIV-infected women.
Manmohan Singh's state funeral was conducted with full military honors, attended by politicians, dignitaries, and family members. Despite tensions between Congress and BJP over memorial sites, the event remained dignified. The ceremony included military bands, ceremonial marching, and Sikh priests reciting verses, with Singh's daughter lighting the pyre.
Sharmistha Mukherjee criticizes Congress for not holding a CWC meeting or passing a condolence resolution after former President Pranab Mukherjee's death. She highlights Congress's treatment of former PM Manmohan Singh and compares it with the disrespected treatment of PV Narasimha Rao by Congress.
Calls for posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to late former PM Manmohan Singh rose during his final journey. Punjab Congress' Partap Singh Bajwa emphasized Singh’s vital role in India’s economic reforms, the Indo-US nuclear deal, and significant social programs, urging recognition of Singh's contributions with the nation's highest civilian honour.
Former PM Manmohan Singh, despite his advanced age of 91 and fragile health, showcased his unwavering commitment to the democratic process by attending Rajya Sabha proceedings in a wheelchair, including crucial sessions like voting on the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Former PM Manmohan Singh's attempts to clear his name in an alleged irregular coal block allocation case remained unfulfilled as the Supreme Court stayed the trial court's summoning order. The petition became infructuous following Singh's death.
Karnataka police arrested an Axis Bank relationship manager and three others for embezzling over Rs 12 crore from Dreamplug Paytech Solutions Pvt Ltd via unauthorized access and manipulation of account details. The fraud spanned 14 days, with funds dispersed into multiple accounts across the country.
Delhi gathered to bid farewell to former PM Manmohan Singh, honoring his contributions and dignity. Thousands, including the Gandhi family and political leaders, attended the funeral procession. Singh's last rites were performed with state honors, reflecting his lasting impact on India's economy and the public’s admiration.
BJP president JP Nadda responded to Congress's accusations of insulting former PM Manmohan Singh by alleging the Nehru-Gandhi family had undermined him, positioning Sonia Gandhi as a 'super-PM' and disrespecting his authority. Nadda highlighted similar instances of ignored requests for memorials for former PM PV Narasimha Rao.
Upinder Singh, daughter of former PM Manmohan Singh, lit his pyre following Sikh traditions, challenging patriarchal norms. Sikh community emphasizes gender equality in rituals. Singh’s family, including his wife and children, were present during the cremation, conducted with Sikh hymns. Singh's daughters are historian Upinder, writer Daman, and human rights lawyer Amrit.
In 1969, Manmohan Singh was a humble professor at Delhi School of Economics, standing among students during a photo shoot. A shared photo featuring Nobel laureate Amartya Sen highlights Singh's humility. His former students fondly remember his lectures and simpler means of travel, showcasing his approachable and genuine nature.
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.