Deepavali has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking the 16th Indian tradition to receive this honor. This recognition occurred during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted by India in New Delhi. The committee is reviewing 67 nominations from 79 countries.

The Supreme Court heard arguments regarding Sharjeel Imam's alleged inflammatory speeches. While the court deemed his call to block the Siliguri Corridor objectionable, his lawyer highlighted his appeals for peaceful protest and non-violence. The defense argued there is no credible evidence against Imam, and he was not involved in the riots.

Singapore's former Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean spoke in Delhi about the deep historical ties between Singapore and India. He mentioned Singapore's name originates from Sanskrit, reflecting India's early influence. The Indian diaspora has significantly shaped Singapore's economy and culture. He also praised India's sustainable development vision. Diplomatic relations were established in 1965.

The Delhi high court questioned the Centre's failure to prevent IndiGo's flight cancellations and soaring airfares, demanding to know immediate measures taken for stranded passengers. The court also sought explanations on arrangements made to manage travellers and prevent harassment, as hundreds of flights were scrapped, leaving lakhs stranded nationwide.

In a bid to streamline the rollout of solar initiatives, a parliamentary committee has recommended the establishment of a 'single-window clearance' system aimed at reducing land acquisition bottlenecks. To tackle regional disparities, the committee suggests tailored awareness drives in each state, along with support from central authorities for those trailing behind.

Over 100 nations are converging in Delhi for the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, highlighting its growing relevance in accessible, holistic healthcare. The event, focusing on «Restoring balance,» will feature a dedicated session on Ashwagandha.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly tore up new MGNREGA norms, accusing the Centre of imposing 'valueless' conditions and withholding funds. She highlighted her state's Karmashree scheme as an alternative, vowing to increase workdays and asserting Bengal's fight for dignity and federal rights amidst upcoming elections.

BJP criticizes Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Germany visit, calling him 'Videsh Nayak' and 'leader of paryatan' as it coincides with Parliament's Winter Session. Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, is scheduled to meet German lawmakers and the Indian community in Berlin. This trip follows his previous overseas visits where he raised concerns about India's democracy.

The data reveals a shifting landscape where private banks and digital channels draw the most customer ire, while territories like Chandigarh and Delhi report disproportionately high complaint loads per lakh accounts.

Over 100 opposition MPs have submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking the removal of Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan. They accuse him of misconduct and bias in a recent order concerning a lamp lighting at a temple near a dargah in Tamil Nadu.

Goa authorities allegedly ignored a report detailing «gross violations» at a property where a fatal nightclub fire occurred, dropping proceedings against the owner. Meanwhile, in Delhi, agencies are passing the buck over a vanished wetland, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Central Pollution Control Board blaming each other for its disappearance under landfill waste.

The government has doubled IndiGo's flight cuts to 10% following operational failures and crew norm non-compliance. This punitive action aims to stabilize the airline's services and reduce passenger disruptions. IndiGo's CEO was summoned to explain the mismanagement, with further reviews planned. Other airlines saw minor adjustments to their winter schedules.

A nationwide school survey reveals alarming drug experimentation among Indian children, with initiation as early as 11 and an average age of 12.9. One in seven students has tried psychoactive substances, with opioids and cannabis prevalent. Experts warn of easy access and emotional distress driving this trend, urging early intervention and parental vigilance.

The Supreme Court clarified that while the Election Commission cannot definitively determine citizenship, it can inquire about it if doubts arise regarding voters. The apex court emphasized that Indian citizenship is a constitutional prerequisite for voting, not merely a matter of residence and age. This ruling supports the EC's stance on verifying voter eligibility.

Holiday travel plans for countless domestic flyers face disruption as IndiGo slashes 200-400 flights daily. This significant capacity cut by India's largest airline is creating a sharp demand-supply gap, making new bookings difficult and potentially leading to cancellations for existing Yuletide travel. Other airlines are operating at maximum capacity, unable to fill the void quickly.

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has apologized for the IndiGo passenger disruptions and vowed strict action, potentially including the CEO's removal. The probe will scrutinize the airline's operations and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) oversight. The minister acknowledged passenger distress, including exorbitant surge pricing, and assured accountability.

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of capturing the Election Commission, alleging it colludes with the ruling party to win polls and commits «vote chori.» He criticized the government's move to exclude the Chief Justice from the EC selection panel, giving the PM complete control.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey countered Rahul Gandhi's electoral malpractice claims, stating EVMs were introduced by Rajiv Gandhi to curb irregularities. He linked Congress and regional parties' opposition to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to «pro-Muslim» politics, citing population growth in West Bengal. Dubey also accused Congress of past «vote chori» and influencing poll body appointments.

Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the Congress's decision to divide Vande Mataram in 1937, as a concession to the Muslim League, initiated appeasement politics that ultimately led to India's partition. He emphasized the song's role in cultural nationalism and slammed the opposition for belittling its significance.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to explain why Assam voters were exempted from providing documentary proof during electoral roll revision, a requirement elsewhere. This exemption, despite concerns about illegal migrants, has been questioned. Separately, the court ruled that voting rights for persecuted minorities under the CAA can only be considered after citizenship is granted.

India, France, and the UAE are conducting a significant air combat exercise over the Arabian Sea to bolster trilateral defense cooperation and interoperability. The Indian Air Force is deploying advanced fighter jets and support aircraft, while France and the UAE will participate with their own Rafale and Mirage fleets.

Key NDA allies JDU and TDP slammed the opposition for 'double standards' on EVMs, questioning why machines are deemed faulty only after electoral losses. Shiv Sena (Shinde) pushed for lowering the voting age to 18, advocating for remote voting for migrants and simultaneous polls. Allies emphasized voter maturity and dismissed manipulation claims.

The Congress-led coalition of opposition parties is making strong demands for the reinstatement of ballot papers alongside a transformed collegium responsible for appointing election commissioners. Their criticisms target the Election Commission, claiming it has lost credibility, especially regarding electoral roll updates and those pesky model code infringements.

CBI has registered an FIR against Jai Anmol Ambani in a Rs 228 crore bank fraud case linked to Reliance Housing Finance. Searches were conducted at his residence. The agency is investigating allegations of cheating and criminal conspiracy causing wrongful loss to Union Bank of India. A second FIR targets RCFL and its officials for a Rs 57.

India is boosting its European ties, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz set to visit New Delhi soon. This engagement follows President Putin's visit and precedes the India-EU summit. Discussions will focus on trade, technology, and sustainable development, building on existing partnerships. Germany's support for Ukraine and shared concerns over the Indo-Pacific will also be key topics.

A crucial meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi set to select the next Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners. The Central Information Commission has been operating with a significantly reduced staff since September, with eight commissioner posts vacant. This selection process is vital for the functioning of the CIC.

The Supreme Court has mandated all states to provide robust security for booth-level officers during voter enumeration, warning of severe action against any threats or obstructions. The court emphasized that non-cooperation with the Election Commission's work is a serious matter, extending beyond West Bengal to all states, and stressed the need for BLOs' safety to prevent anarchy.

US President Trump's threat of new rice tariffs is unlikely to significantly impact India, as exports to the US are a small fraction of global sales and already face high duties. Experts suggest this is a negotiation tactic amid ongoing trade deal talks, with India aiming to lift existing US tariffs.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted in Rajya Sabha that the division of 'Vande Mataram' for appeasement politics fueled India's partition. He emphasised the song's enduring relevance in fostering cultural nationalism and driving the nation towards a developed future. Shah criticised the opposition for linking the debate to West Bengal elections, highlighting the song's historical significance during the freedom struggle.