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The Indian government will back the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) in a Supreme Court battle against Delhi and Mumbai airport operators. The case concerns a Rs 50,000-crore claim for hypothetical regulatory asset base, which could lead to significant hikes in passenger charges if awarded to the operators.

The BJP has demanded an account of alleged loot by its leaders in the National Herald case from the Congress. This comes after Delhi Police filed an FIR against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and others on criminal charges. The BJP stated the case predates the current government and involves the acquisition of significant assets for a nominal sum.

The Congress party has strongly refuted the National Herald case, labeling it a politically motivated attempt by the Prime Minister and Home Minister to intimidate them. They argue the fresh FIR aims to fabricate a money laundering charge where no financial transactions or property transfers occurred, questioning the basis of the PMLA offense.

Prime Minister Modi lauded India's youth and the cultural bond forged by the Tamil Sangamam, seeing them as vital to a 'Viksit Bharat'. He highlighted recent achievements in space, defence, farming, and sports, attributing them to the energy of young Indians and the nation's deep roots. The PM also celebrated cultural milestones and encouraged participation in the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam.

A 41-year-old report by the Tribhuvan Prasad Tewary Commission, recently made public by the Assam government, reveals that successive administrations allowed the state's land and identity crisis to worsen. The report, which investigated the 1983 Nellie massacre, identified illegal immigration and land disputes as key drivers of violence, not just communal clashes.

New government orders mandate communication apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to enforce stricter login protocols. Users will face automatic logouts from desktop versions every six hours, requiring QR code re-authentication. Smartphone access will also be restricted to the original SIM card used for registration, aiming to curb cyber fraud and enhance security.

The Election Commission has extended the SIR Phase 2 timeline by a week across 12 states and UTs to ensure electoral roll transparency. This move follows reports of alleged malpractices, allowing booth level officers more time to share elector lists with political parties. The extended period aims to prevent errors and build trust before the final roll publication.

Indian airlines IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express successfully reverted flight-control software on 323 Airbus A320 jets to a safer 2022 version. This rapid rollback averted widespread groundings after Airbus identified a potential loss of control issue during intense solar storms. Carriers experienced minimal disruption, with only minor cancellations and delays.

Important days in December 2025: December marks a vibrant end to the year in India with national commemorations like Vijay Diwas and Kisan Diwas, alongside widespread Christmas celebrations. Regional festivals and tribal events highlight the nation's rich diversity. Globally, the month emphasizes crucial awareness campaigns on health, human rights, and environmental sustainability, fostering a spirit of collective responsibility.

Indian stock markets will observe a holiday on Thursday, December 25, for Christmas, with trading resuming on Friday, December 26. This marks the only major scheduled market closure in December, making it a relatively quiet month for trading. The last trading session in November concluded flat for both the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty.

Union minister Chirag Paswan claimed several opposition MLAs are in touch with the NDA, citing growing disenchantment with the opposition's constructive inaction. This comes amid speculation about Congress MLAs switching allegiances after the NDA's landslide victory in the Bihar assembly polls.

Parliament's Winter Session kicks off with a robust economic agenda, featuring nine key bills. Reforms include a 100% FDI cap for insurance, new taxation for tobacco and pan masala, and a consolidated Securities Markets Code. The session also aims to decriminalize minor offenses and update corporate laws, promising significant legislative action.

Sri Lanka is facing a severe crisis as Cyclone Ditwah has caused devastating floods and landslides, resulting in at least 334 deaths and nearly 400 people missing. Over a million individuals are affected, with low-lying areas in Colombo still inundated. India has dispatched an additional 10 tons of disaster response aid, including a medical team, to assist the nation.

Elon Musk discussed US trade policies and the H-1B visa system with Nikhil Kamath, expressing his opposition to aggressive tariffs and advocating for free trade. Musk also boldly predicted that advancements in AI and robotics will make working optional within 10-15 years, leading to a world of near-limitless abundance.

Despite Operation Sindoor destroying several terrorist launching pads across the LoC, the BSF reports that some remain active, with Pakistan attempting to infiltrate terrorists ahead of winter. These shifting launchpads, now located in depth areas away from the border, are reportedly used for pushing terrorists into India, with groups now mixed.

Two Booth Level Officers died in Uttar Pradesh amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of poll rolls. Sarvesh Singh died by suicide, citing work pressure. Shobharani died of cardiac arrest after working late. The Election Commission has extended the revision schedule by one week. These incidents highlight the strain on BLOs across several states.

British Airways is significantly boosting its India operations, adding a third daily flight to Delhi next year. Citing incredible potential and strong outbound travel demand, the airline sees India as its second-largest market. This expansion includes local hiring and a robust contact center, underscoring a commitment to the growing Indian aviation sector.

A teenage girl in Nanded performed symbolic wedding rituals with her murdered boyfriend's body after her father and brothers were arrested for his killing over their inter-caste relationship. The girl, Aanchal, stated her family opposed their union due to caste differences and vowed to live with her deceased lover's mother.

Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi expressed confidence that India's relationship with Bangladesh will improve, referring to the nation as a friend despite current political strains. He recalled warm hospitality during his visit and hopes for a positive turn after Bangladesh's February 2026 parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast on Sunday, expressed his special affection for Uttarakhand and highlighted the immense potential of winter tourism, adventure sports, and wedding destinations in the state, according to an official release.

Gold prices are poised to approach historic highs as investors await crucial US economic data, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech, and the RBI's policy announcement. Analysts anticipate continued strength driven by manufacturing and services PMIs, US jobs data, and consumer sentiment, alongside central bank acquisitions and geopolitical uncertainties.

Banks nationwide will observe several holidays in December 2025, in addition to regular weekend closures. These closures, dictated by the RBI's festive and regional holiday calendar, will impact in-branch services. Online banking and UPI will remain operational throughout these observances.

Rashmika Mandanna's film 'The Girlfriend' is set for its OTT debut on Netflix on December 5th. The movie, which explores a woman's journey through a toxic relationship and her subsequent empowerment, will be available in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. The film, also starring Dheekshith Shetty, garnered appreciation for its sensitive narrative.

The Election Commission of India has criticized the West Bengal government for delaying increased honorariums for booth level officers (BLOs) and payments for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. This comes as the TMC delegation accused the ECI of having lood on their hands over the revision process.

Foreign investors pulled a net Rs 3,765 crore from Indian equities in November, reversing October's inflow. Global risk-off sentiment, tech stock instability, and a preference for primary markets drove the outflows. Despite domestic economic stability, high valuations and weak industrial indicators contributed to caution.

Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan has expressed her strong disapproval of paparazzi. She stated her relationship with them is zero, contrasting it with her respect for the media. Bachchan finds their intrusive behaviour unacceptable. She also mentioned she does not care about social media opinions. The actress recently refused to pose for photographers at an event.

India's REIT market is poised for massive growth, with an estimated Rs 10.8 trillion opportunity in office and retail sectors by 2029. The market has already surged past Rs 1 trillion in capitalisation, driven by increasing institutionalisation and a six-fold expansion in managed commercial space. Experts predict a five-fold market expansion in the coming years.

Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Chetak helicopters deployed from INS Vikrant conducted search and rescue missions in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. India has reaffirmed its solidarity, delivering 27 tonnes of relief material and standing by Sri Lanka through its Neighbourhood First policy.

Eyewear retailer Lenskart reported a robust first quarter as a public company, with operating revenue climbing 21% to Rs 2,096 crore and net profit increasing 20% to Rs 103 crore. The company attributes its improved profitability to investments in technology, supply chain, and an omnichannel model, with plans to open over 450 new stores in India this fiscal year.

Equity benchmarks concluded last week with a third consecutive winning streak, reaching fresh all-time highs. Global markets were boosted by U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut expectations and hopes for progress in Russia-Ukraine talks. Domestically, strong growth projections supported confidence, despite weak export trends.

India's currency is facing a sharp decline in 2025. What are the top reasons behind? Is it the trade disputes with the US or the reduced foreign investment or the Reserve Bank of India's managing of the situation with a restrained approach. What is making the rupee's value fall significantly this year?

India received 5.4 million tonnes of Russian oil worth 2.1 billion euros via 30 vessels operating under false flags between January and September 2025, a report reveals. This highlights Russia's use of a growing 'shadow fleet' to bypass Western sanctions, with India being a major recipient of these oil shipments.

Ahead of Parliament's Winter Session, an all-party meeting saw the Opposition demanding detailed discussions on national security, the SIR issue, pollution, farmers' concerns, and democracy. They expressed worries about the government's handling of key national matters and insisted on parliamentary debates. The government stated its readiness to listen to the Opposition's concerns during the session.

A pervasive uniform aesthetic in consumer culture reflects a decline in individuality, driven by insecurity and the desire to belong. Brands and creators exploit this by selling ready-made identities, leading to overconsumption and environmental strain. This trend prioritises perception over utility, turning curated identities into disposable consumption.

A viral video of a littered Amsterdam street sparked debate on civic sense, with some users defending the city's overall cleanliness and blaming tourists for the mess. Despite the clip, global rankings indicate the Netherlands excels in environmental standards, with Amsterdam noted for its good air quality.

Cyclone Ditwah has prompted a high alert in South India, with Tamil Nadu and Puducherry bracing for potential rain and thunderstorms. The cyclone's path runs parallel to the coast, posing a threat after claiming 159 lives in Sri Lanka. India has launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying relief and rescue teams to assist the island nation.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi highlighted technology as the armed forces' greatest future asset at the NDA's 149th Passing Out Parade. He emphasised that military strength secures peace, quoting Prime Minister Modi. Admiral Tripathi also commended the second batch of women cadets, urging them to focus on duty over awards, as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts.

Maulana Mahmood Madani has ignited controversy with his remarks on the Supreme Court's handling of key cases and his views on 'jihad' and 'ghar wapsi'. His statements have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and differing opinions within the Muslim community, highlighting a divided political landscape.

Over 1,000 Amazon employees have signed an open letter warning of dire consequences from the company's rapid AI development. They argue Amazon is sacrificing climate goals and its human workforce for AI dominance, citing increased emissions, water consumption for data centers, and job displacement. The workers demand ethical AI practices, including clean energy use and employee involvement in AI decisions.