Geospatial technologies are a foundational pillar of India's development journey, and the government is leveraging them as a national asset for Viksit Bharat, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology on Wednesday.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized hosting the India-South Africa T20I in Lucknow due to severe air pollution and dense fog, leading to its cancellation. He suggested Thiruvananthapuram as a better alternative with significantly improved air quality. The match was called off after repeated delays due to poor visibility, impacting cricket fans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Muscat, Oman, for a two-day visit, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. The trip focuses on finalizing a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, a significant step to deepen trade and investment. Discussions will also cover strategic cooperation in areas like energy, defence, and culture, marking a new chapter in India-Oman relations.

H-1B visa holders are facing significant interview reschedulings, with some appointments moved to March 2026, leaving them stranded in India. This disruption is linked to a new social media vetting policy by the US State Department, requiring applicants to make profiles public for review. The policy is causing widespread cancellations and delays, impacting thousands of individuals.

India's Navy has boosted its submarine warfare and surveillance with the commissioning of its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335, at Goa. This move strengthens maritime security amid a complex regional environment. The induction enhances the Navy's operational reach and deterrence, aligning with India's strategic goals for a secure maritime future.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday SHANTI Bill, 2025, paving the way for private sector participation in India's nuclear energy industry. This legislation (yet to be passed in Rajya Sabha) introduces a new civil liability framework and strengthens the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. While crucial operations remain government-controlled, the bill aims to boost nuclear power capacity and applications, encouraging investment in the sector.

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan refused to apologize for his remarks on Operation Sindoor, asserting his constitutional right to question military operations. He claimed India was «completely defeated» on the first day, with Indian aircraft shot down and the Air Force grounded. BJP leaders criticized Chavan's statements as an insult to the armed forces.

India's Air Force is currently hosting Exercise AviaIndra-2025 with Russia's Aerospace Force, a joint air drill running until December 22. This exercise, part of a series since 2014, involves joint flying operations on various aircraft and helicopters, aiming to bolster bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding between the two nations.

Kerala Fest Claims Centre Refused Clearance; I&B Min Points To Norms

Dense fog is set to cause flight delays and disruptions across North and East India on Wednesday morning. IndiGo has issued a travel advisory, urging passengers to allow extra travel time and monitor flight status. The airline assures its teams are prepared to manage operations smoothly, prioritizing passenger safety amidst reduced visibility and potential road traffic impacts.

Leader J.P. Nadda urged opposition unity for electoral roll revision, highlighting West Bengal's significant voter increase. He questioned the Election Commission's role in detecting and deporting potential illegal immigrants, stressing national interest over political divides. Opposition MPs countered, accusing the government of using the process for division and distraction.

The central government has extended the term of the commission investigating the Manipur ethnic violence until May 20, 2026. This marks the fifth extension for the commission, which was initially formed in June 2023 to probe the causes and extent of the unrest that began on May 3, 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest civilian honour, The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, during his first bilateral visit. The two nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, focusing on cooperation in economy, innovation, technology, defence, and health.

Gujarat has banned the sale and distribution of rolling papers and pre-rolled cones, commonly known as 'Gogo paper'. The state home department cited health risks and concerns that these products are being used by youth to smoke narcotic substances. The ban, effective immediately, targets harmful substances found in the papers, aiming to curb addiction among young people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received rare personal courtesies on his Jordan and Ethiopia visits, with top leaders personally escorting and driving him. These gestures highlight the warmth and trust in India's ties with key Global South partners, reflecting strong historical and people-to-people connections.

Opposition members in Rajya Sabha demanded reforms in the anti-defection law and electoral processes, citing defections and voter list issues that undermine the people's mandate. The government defended the special intensive revision of electoral rolls as constitutionally valid. Concerns were also raised about political party funding and the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal.

Over 7.7 lakh households are now receiving zero electricity bills thanks to rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. The government has provided significant subsidy support and sanctioned numerous loan applications. Additionally, farmers are earning substantial income by leasing land for solar projects under the PM-KUSUM scheme.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar strongly condemned the terror attack at Sydney's Hanukkah celebration, emphasizing India and Israel's «zero tolerance» policy towards terrorism. Speaking alongside Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa'ar, Jaishankar conveyed deep condolences for the lives lost and injured.

The Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy redefines global power dynamics, placing India at a critical juncture. The document emphasizes unilateral action and self-interest, urging India to contribute more to Indo-Pacific security through initiatives like the Quad, signaling a shift towards transactional alliances.