Arvind Kejriwal has questioned Mohan Bhagwat about BJP's practices affecting democracy, including vote-buying and voter manipulation. Kejriwal doubted if the RSS supports these actions. AAP spokesperson accused BJP leaders of deleting voters' names and offering money for votes in various constituencies, amidst escalating accusations as both parties gear up for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections.
North India is reeling under cold weather with temperatures plummeting across several states. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, with a thin layer of fog enveloping parts of the national capital. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded a temperature of 10.30 am.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu extend New Year greetings for 2025, emphasizing opportunities, health and prosperity. Celebrations occur nationwide with parties, cultural events, and fireworks. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and tourist spots such as Manali see large gatherings and vibrant festivities.
«If a BJP leader can dare to make such statements about Kerala, which is a symbol of pluralistic culture and harmony, it is because he enjoys impunity from the party's leadership,» Karat told ANI.
The Travancore Devaswom Board has temporarily suspended issuing special passes for devotees arriving via the forest route to Sabarimala. This measure aims to reduce wait times for darshan among those using the virtual queue system. The suspension follows a significant increase in the number of devotees taking the forest path. No special passes will be issued until further notice.
Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani humorously addressed the work-life balance debate, highlighting personal choice in balancing work and family time. Reflecting on Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week suggestion, Adani emphasized enjoying one’s work and activities for balance, considering personal mortality to simplify life, and prioritizing personal character and humility over material wealth.
Supreme Court granted Punjab government three more days to hospitalise fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, with no consideration for involving the Centre. The state's plea was based on ongoing negotiations with the farmers, and security measures have been intensified around the protest site.
Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed denied allegations in a Washington Post report suggesting that the opposition asked India for $6 million to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu. Nasheed stated he was unaware of any plot and emphasized India's consistent support for Maldives' democracy.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh met with Bangladeshi lawyer Rabindra Ghosh, who is defending Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Rabindra Ghosh urged India to address minority persecution in Bangladesh. Das, an advocate for Hindu rights, was arrested for sedition over a flag incident and denied bail. Rabindra Ghosh faces threats due to his defense work.
President Droupadi Murmu extended New Year's Eve greetings, urging citizens to work towards unity and excellence. Highlighting the new year as a time for fresh hopes and aspirations, she encouraged everyone to move forward with renewed energy to achieve their goals. She emphasized celebrating with joy and enthusiasm to advance the nation and society.
Manipur CM N Biren Singh offers an apology for the violence since May 2023 and unveils a peace-focused roadmap for 2025. The state witnesses a significant drop in violence, with initiatives for rehabilitation, skill development, healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure in place.
Delhi CM Atishi has urged Lieutenant Governor Saxena to reconsider orders for demolishing religious structures, including those significant to Dalit communities. She stressed the need for consultation with the elected government. The LG's office has dismissed her claims as political tactics, asserting no such demolitions are planned. Political tensions between Atishi and the LG continue to rise.
Nutty Village, a startup in Unnao, will introduce coffee and barbeque flavored peanut butters to honor late US President Jimmy Carter's support of peanut farming and rural development. The company works with local farmers and women's self-help groups to improve livelihoods.
Goa's revenue collection surged by Rs 75.51 crore in December 2024 compared to the previous year, indicating strong economic growth and fiscal health. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized the significant role of the tourism sector in achieving this milestone. The state's total revenue for April-December 2024 reached Rs 4,614.77 crore.
In 2024, the Supreme Court of India delivered numerous landmark judgments, addressing significant legal issues such as election-related bail, child pornography under POCSO, UAPA arrests, and the Electoral Bonds Scheme. The court also tackled contentious topics like EVM reliability, habeas corpus petitions, unlawful demolitions, and minority status for Aligarh Muslim University.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal condemned BJP minister Nitesh Rane's 'Mini Pakistan' remark about Kerala. Venugopal urged PM Modi to sack Rane, emphasizing Kerala's achievements in education and harmony. Rane later justified his comments by highlighting concerns about religious conversions and 'love jihad' in Kerala, but faced continued criticism and calls for his removal.
India achieved considerable progress in its defence sector in 2024, including record-breaking indigenous production and exports, strategic international collaborations, and the addition of new military assets. Key developments include the commissioning of indigenous aircraft and ships, high-value contracts for advanced drones, the launch of new surveillance satellites, and successful military collaborations with countries like the US, Spain, and France.
In 2024, the nation faced multiple violent crimes, ranging from mob attacks in Sandeshkhali to tragic murders and terrorist acts. These incidents highlighted ongoing challenges in public safety, law enforcement, and social justice, sparking national outrage and urgent calls for reform.
In the 2024 election season, slogans became powerful tools for shaping public opinion and influencing voter behavior, reflecting both the aspirations and anxieties of the electorate. Parties like BJP and Congress utilized impactful slogans to convey their core messages, promote unity, and address key issues.
In 2024, Congress saw a mix of gains and setbacks. It increased its Lok Sabha seats to 99, aiding the INDIA bloc's challenge to the BJP, which retained power with 293 seats. Despite successes in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, Congress faced defeats in Bihar, Maharashtra, and other states, highlighting challenges in its bid for political resurgence.
In 2024, BJP faced tough competition in Lok Sabha elections, forming a government with NDA partners. BJP secured major wins in Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections. Regional parties challenged national dominance. Narendra Modi became Prime Minister for the third term. The INDIA bloc showed internal cracks. Exit polls lost credibility due to incorrect predictions.
The Indian government is offering all possible assistance after Yemen's president approved the execution of Nimisha Priya's death sentence for the murder of her abusive husband. Priya's family and supporters are negotiating blood money to prevent her execution, despite challenges with raised legal fees.
The century-old Koraput district jail in Odisha is blending punishment with reform by enabling inmates to produce and sell handicrafts, agricultural products, and fabricated items. With skill development initiatives, this approach aims to rehabilitate inmates and ensure self-sustenance post-release, benefiting around 128 prisoners and generating significant revenue.
BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of behaving like a bouncer during a Parliament scuffle, leading to Sarangi's injury. Sarangi was hurt while protesting with other BJP MPs, alleging Gandhi's actions caused another MP to fall on him, resulting in a head injury.
In Bastar's remote village of Rekavaya, a wave of development is transforming the region, replacing conflict with progress. With the establishment of security camps and rebuilding efforts, schools and basic amenities are returning. The Chhattisgarh government is combining security measures with development projects and a revamped rehabilitation policy to win over both the local population and former Maoist cadres.
Kota, Rajasthan, known for its coaching centers, saw a 38% decline in student suicides in 2024 due to strict implementation of protocols and new initiatives by the district administration. Programs like WHO-protocol training and 'Kota Cares' have contributed to a safer, stress-free environment.
ISRO is on brink of its historic 100th rocket launch milestone with a GSLV mission in January 2025. Following the successful PSLV-C60 mission, which is the 99th launch, ISRO aims to achieve advanced space docking technology and continues to develop its NavIC satellite constellation.
During her Sandeshkhali rally, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee warned women against trusting miscreants and reiterated that they need not depend on anyone to access governmental schemes. She emphasized self-respect over money, announced 63 projects worth Rs 123 crore for Sandeshkhali, and assured efficient delivery of state benefits.
Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala, faces imminent execution in Yemen after President al-Alimi approved her sentence for murdering a Yemeni citizen in 2018. Efforts by her family and the Save Nimisha Priya Action Council to negotiate her release through payment of blood money are ongoing, with her mother in Sana'a to finalize talks.
A Supreme Court-appointed committee headed by former judge Nawab Singh will hold virtual talks with agitating farmers on January 3. The committee was set up to address farmers' issues and end the deadlock. The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with Punjab government's handling of a fasting farmer, urging farmers to remove blockades to ease public hardships.