Kashmir shivered through its coldest December night in five decades as Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of harshest winter, began. Srinagar plummeted to -8.5C, freezing Dal Lake and water lines. Pahalgam and Gulmarg also recorded sub-zero temperatures. While mainly dry weather is forecast, light snowfall is possible in higher reaches.

A 39-member parliamentary panel will examine two bills proposing simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. The committee, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, includes prominent figures like Anurag Thakur, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Sambit Patra. The panel will report its findings by the next session's end.

NHPC plans to invest Rs 5,500 crore in a 1,000 MW Bihar solar project. The project aims to boost clean energy. NHPC also proposes a smaller solar plant for green hydrogen production. This hydrogen will power a passenger bus for the state government. NHPC will fund the bus. The company has similar projects in other states.

A search operation continues for a seven-year-old boy missing after a Navy craft collided with a passenger ferry near Mumbai, claiming 14 lives. The Navy is investigating the incident, which occurred during engine trials. The overloaded ferry, 'Neel Kamal,' was carrying over 100 passengers to Elephanta Island.

Ashwin Retirement News: Veteran Indian spinner R Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket after the drawn third Test against Australia at the Gabba. At 38, he retires as India's second-highest Test wicket-taker with 537 wickets in 106 matches, trailing only Anil Kumble. Ashwin's illustrious career includes a record-equalling 11 Player of the Series awards and the second-most five-wicket hauls (37) in Test history.

The BJP will likely choose its new leader by February's end. State unit elections are wrapping up by mid-January. This paves the way for the national president election. The new president could be a minister or an organizational leader. Current president J P Nadda's term was extended due to the 2024 elections.

Expressing concern over drug abuse, the Supreme Court stressed the need for rehabilitation over demonization. The court noted that drug profits fuel terrorism and violence, while academic pressure and family issues contribute to the problem. Easy availability, peer pressure, and stress drive adolescents to drugs as emotional escapism.

India paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his death anniversary. Prime Minister Modi and other leaders hailed Patel's pivotal role in unifying the nation and his enduring legacy. Patel, instrumental in integrating princely states, is remembered as the 'Iron Man' and architect of modern India. National Unity Day commemorates his contributions.

In an interview, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed BJP's criticism of dynastic politics, highlighting their alliances with similar parties. He emphasized that family lineage isn't a guarantee of success, citing his own electoral loss. Abdullah stated his sons must forge their own paths, acknowledging the precarious nature of political careers.

A Bangladesh inquiry commission has implicated former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and top officials in enforced disappearances. The commission's interim report estimates over 3,500 cases, citing a systematic design and the involvement of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). They propose abolishing the RAB and amending anti-terrorism laws. The commission continues its investigation, aiming for a final report next year.

Indian Army personnel apprehended a man from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who illegally crossed the Line of Control in Poonch district. A separate operation in Reasi district uncovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, pistols, grenades, and ammunition. Investigations are underway in both cases.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured Parliament on Friday that the government will procure all farm produce at minimum support price (MSP). This comes as farmers plan a march to Delhi with their demands. Chouhan contrasted the Modi government's approach with previous administrations, claiming they hadn't accepted the M.S. Swaminathan Commission's recommendations on MSP calculations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha that peace in border areas is crucial for India-China relations. Disengagement is complete in eastern Ladakh, including Depsang and Demchok. Discussions on de-escalation and border management will follow. Opposition MPs walked out after being disallowed from seeking clarifications.

Leaders of several INDIA bloc parties protested on Parliament premises demanding a joint parliamentary probe into the Adani indictment issue. MPs from Congress, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), DMK, and Left parties participated, holding banners and raising slogans. Rahul Gandhi was not part of the protest as he visited violence-hit Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the Border Security Force (BSF) on its raising day, highlighting the force's role in safeguarding Indias borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Shah commended the BSF's courage, selflessness, and supreme sacrifices, which inspire patriotism and uphold national security since its establishment in 1965.

Only Uddhav and Raj Thackeray can decide on joining hands, according to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve. He pointed out that Raj Thackeray's political stance remains unclear, oscillating between supporting and opposing the state government. Both parties saw disappointing results in the recent Maharashtra elections, keeping their future collaboration uncertain.

The RSS urges the Bangladesh interim government to halt Hindu atrocities and release ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, detained for leading peaceful protests. The RSS calls on the Indian government to advocate globally against these injustices and for international institutions to support the victims for peace and brotherhood.

Two Indian astronauts, Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, have completed their initial training for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. They have undergone orientations, SpaceX suit fit checks, and emergency training. Future training will focus on other ISS modules and scientific research in microgravity.

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, and NCP's Ajit Pawar met Union Home Minister Amit Shah discussing Maharashtra government formation. The power-sharing pact talks continue after the BJP-led coalition's significant assembly election win. A decision on the next CM will be made soon, with further meetings expected in Mumbai.

Congress has demanded a parliamentary discussion on the US indictment of Gautam Adani, alleging bribery and securities fraud. Adani is accused of bribing officials for solar power deals, raising concerns about India's integrity. The Adani Group denies these allegations, stating the indictment misrepresents the charges and that no bribes were paid to Indian officials.

Rahul Gandhi, addressing the 'Samvidhan Rakshak Abhiyaan', accused PM Modi and the RSS of reinforcing barriers faced by Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs. He admitted the UPA government's efforts to dismantle these barriers were insufficient, while the current government actively strengthens them. Gandhi advocated for a caste census, citing Telangana's initiative as a model for future Congress-led governments.

Prime Minister Modi announced Cabinet approvals for three railway projects worth 7,927 crore, benefiting Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. A national mission to promote natural farming among one crore farmers was also approved, with a budget of 2,481 crore. 'One Nation One Subscription' received a nod, aiming to boost research and learning.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan remains in jail. He received bail in a corruption case but was immediately arrested in another case. Police say Khan incited protests while in jail. He faces numerous charges, including terrorism and violating public gathering bans. Khan needs bail in these cases before release. His party claims the charges are politically motivated.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the G20 summit to discuss the next steps in India-China relations following recent military disengagement in Demchok and Depsang. Both sides acknowledged the progress made in disengagement and emphasized the importance of de-escalation for normalizing ties.