Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, causing nearly 70% of the 1.24 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh reported alarmingly high numbers of speed-related deaths, highlighting a persistent challenge in road safety.
Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of appearing nervous and using foul language during his Lok Sabha speech on electoral reforms. Gandhi challenged Shah to a debate on his press conference allegations, but Shah stated Parliament would not function according to Gandhi's wishes.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused TMC MPs of vaping e-cigarettes in Lok Sabha, prompting Speaker Om Birla to state that no permission was granted and strict action would be taken if confirmed. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and assured action upon a formal written complaint.
A parliamentary exchange saw Congress MP Jairam Ramesh present Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Maniben Patel's diary. Ramesh stated the diary entries do not support Singh's recent claim regarding Jawaharlal Nehru and the Babri Masjid. Singh indicated he had an English version. The incident follows Singh's remarks in Gujarat, which Congress has challenged, citing Patel's daughter's writings.
President Droupadi Murmu commenced a two-day visit to Manipur, her first since taking office and since the ethnic conflict began. Her itinerary includes attending a polo event, offering prayers at a temple, and participating in Nupi Lan celebrations. Security has been heightened due to a militant-called shutdown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. Modi lauded Mukherjee as a «towering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth,» highlighting his dedication and intellectual contributions to Indian democracy. Shah emphasized Mukherjee's profound constitutional understanding, stating his life and work will continue to inspire the nation's democratic path.
The Supreme Court questioned Delhi Police on invoking stringent UAPA provisions against riot accused for speeches, seeking justification for linking terror acts to their words. Justices sought clarity on how Section 15, pertaining to terrorist acts, applies when arms weren't directly used by the accused, who have been jailed for over five years.
A carpooling photo of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin became a talking point in the US Congress, highlighting concerns over the Trump administration's India policy. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized past actions, stating that coercive partnerships damage crucial alliances. She emphasized the urgent need to mend the US-India partnership for mutual prosperity and global leadership.
Slams Cutting Of 40 Trees For Access Road To BJP Office
In a significant move, the DGCA has formed an eight-member team to daily monitor IndiGo's operations, including flights and crew availability, following widespread cancellations. Two officials will track cancellations, refunds, and compensation, while two pilots will be stationed at the airline's Gurgaon office. This comes as IndiGo scrapped 25% of its domestic flights from December 1-9, causing airport chaos.
Specialised tribunals, designed for swift justice, are overwhelmed by over 5.24 lakh pending cases, primarily due to significant member vacancies. Debt Recovery Tribunals lead with 2.5 lakh cases. Seven tribunals lack chairpersons, and 18% of member posts are unfilled, hindering efficient case resolution despite government efforts and technological adoption.
Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, responsible for nearly 70% of the 1.2 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. Despite some dips, these dangerous behaviors continue to pose a major challenge to road safety across the nation.
US trade representative Jamieson Greer highlighted India's «best-ever» offers in ongoing trade talks, calling the nation a «tough nut to crack» due to resistance on certain agricultural imports. Senior US officials are in New Delhi to advance negotiations for a mutually beneficial trade agreement, with India now seen as a «viable alternative market» for US commodities.
President Murmu emphasized ensuring human rights for everyone, highlighting India's shift from entitlement to empowerment and charity to rights over the past decade. She noted government efforts to provide essential services like clean water, electricity, and healthcare, securing dignity for all households.
The Delhi High Court delivered a sharp critique to the Union government, condemning its complacency as IndiGo's flight cancellations wreaked havoc on travel plans and sent prices soaring. The bench voiced concerns over why no preventive measures were taken as the situation deteriorated, placing travelers in precarious positions while calling for reparations.
Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency (SIA) attached the property of Zahid Hussain, a Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen commander, in Doda district. Hussain, who illegally crossed to Pakistan in 2000, was involved in radicalizing and recruiting youth via social media. This action is part of a broader crackdown to dismantle the terror ecosystem in the Union Territory.
A Chinese national, apprehended for visiting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh without proper authorization, has been sent back to New Delhi. The 29-year-old tourist allegedly violated visa norms by traveling to restricted areas after arriving on a visa permitting only specific Buddhist pilgrimage sites. He was questioned for several days before his return.
Goa government seeks passport revocation for Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, believed to be in Thailand, following a deadly nightclub blaze. The brothers, who allegedly fled India hours after the fire, have sought transit anticipatory bail, claiming they left for work and intend to return.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation, emphasizing the robust India-Israel strategic partnership. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and pledged to bolster bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on the West Asia situation, with PM Modi reiterating India's support for a just and lasting peace, including the Gaza Peace Plan.
Goa nightclub proprietors Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra whisked themselves away to Phuket mere hours after a catastrophic fire claimed 25 lives. This abrupt exodus has raised eyebrows among law enforcement, who view it as an attempt to dodge accountability.
In response to the recent flight disruptions, IndiGo's chairman, Vikram Singh Mehta, extended his sincerest apologies, emphasizing that these disruptions were not intentional. He confirmed that the airline will engage external experts to delve into the root causes and implement measures for improvement. Mehta reassured that compliance with new pilot rest regulations was strictly upheld, prioritizing passenger safety.
Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange as Rahul Gandhi challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to a debate on the Special Investigation Report and alleged fake voters. Shah firmly stated he would decide the debate's timing and sequence, asserting parliamentary procedure. He countered 'vote chori' claims, referencing past instances and a Delhi High Court case involving Sonia Gandhi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has refuted Rahul Gandhi's allegations of vote theft in Haryana. Shah clarified that a house listed with a single number housed multiple families and that duplicate voter entries are a result of systemic issues, not manipulation by the BJP or Election Commission.
Home minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of «vote chori» in Lok Sabha, citing alleged instances involving Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and a pending case against Sonia Gandhi regarding voter registration. Congress MPs protested, with KC Venugopal asserting the case against Sonia Gandhi was dismissed. Shah maintained he stated a fact about a court case.
Two schools in Delhi's Sadiq Nagar and Laxmi Nagar received a bomb threat on Wednesday, said Delhi Police.
Rahul Gandhi met PM Modi and Amit Shah to finalise key appointments for the Central Information Commission and Central Vigilance Commission, submitting a dissent note. This meeting occurred as Gandhi's upcoming Berlin visit for an Indian Overseas Congress event drew criticism from the BJP, accusing him of prioritizing foreign trips over parliamentary duties.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal are facing immense pressure and exhaustion during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Working 12-16 hour days, they are struggling with tight deadlines, demanding tasks, and fear of consequences, blurring the lines between work and personal life. Political parties blame each other for the strain.
Forty-four former judges have condemned a campaign against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over his Rohingya migrant case comments. They stated critics twisted a routine judicial query about legal status into accusations of bias, distorting the court's affirmation of human dignity and rejection of torture.