National / The Times of India
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that cabinet portfolio assignments are expected imminently, either Saturday evening or Sunday morning. This follows the recent swearing-in of 39 ministers before the winter legislative session concluded. While Fadnavis, along with deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, took oath earlier this month, the allocation of ministerial portfolios within the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance government has been pending.
AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi criticized actor Allu Arjun for his alleged insensitive response to a fatal stampede at a Pushpa 2 screening. Owaisi claimed Arjun, upon hearing of the death and injuries, remarked about the film's success and continued watching. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy condemned Arjun's actions and revealed the actor defied police denial of security permission for the event.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy criticized actor Allu Arjun for attending a Pushpa-2 screening despite police denial, alleging his presence led to a fatal stampede. Reddy highlighted Allu Arjun's roadshow amidst the chaos and contrasted the support he received from film personalities with the lack of empathy for the stampede victim's injured son.
India and Russia strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation during a joint working group meeting in Moscow. Both nations discussed combating radicalization, terror financing, and the misuse of technology for terrorism. Russia reiterated its support for India's permanent UN Security Council seat, echoing endorsements from other world leaders. India's bid highlights its growing global influence and peacekeeping contributions.
Congress plans nationwide protests demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation for alleged disrespect towards Ambedkar. The party has declared a week-long campaign including press conferences, marches, and a memorandum to the President. They accuse Shah of mocking the invocation of Ambedkar's name during a parliamentary discussion on the Constitution.
BJP MLC C T Ravi, recently arrested and released for allegedly using derogatory language against a minister, claims a threat to his life and accuses the government of conspiracy. He alleges being taken to isolated locations during his arrest and demands protection, holding the government responsible for his safety. Ravi maintains respectful behavior and calls for a judicial investigation into police conduct.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, 89, passed away on Friday. The five-time chief minister was cremated with state honors in Sirsa on Saturday. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, acknowledging Chautala's contributions to Haryana's development and his championing of farmers' interests. His son, Abhay Singh Chautala, vowed to continue his father's legacy.
Coconut oil, rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, can be a natural remedy for promoting hair growth on bald patches. Massaging warm, organic coconut oil into the scalp stimulates hair follicles and improves blood circulation. Consistent application, a healthy diet, and good scalp hygiene enhance the oil's effectiveness for potential hair regrowth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Kuwait, marking the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. During his visit, Modi met with 101-year-old former IFS officer Mangal Sain Handa and individuals who translated the Ramayana and Mahabharata into Arabic, further strengthening cultural ties between India and Kuwait.
The government has revised election rules to restrict public access to electronic records like CCTV footage and webcasting videos. This change, following an Election Commission recommendation, aims to prevent misuse of sensitive data and protect voter secrecy. While candidates retain access, public access is now limited to specified documents, addressing concerns about potential manipulation and misinformation.
A devotee in Tamil Nadu accidentally dropped his iPhone into a temple's offering box. The temple authorities and the HR&CE minister refused to return it, stating that anything offered belongs to the deity. While the minister acknowledged the accidental nature, he cited temple rules and traditions. A similar incident involving a gold chain was resolved with a personal donation from a temple official.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case. AAP leaders expressed shock and called the reports fake, while the BJP labeled Kejriwal the kingpin of the scam. The high court granted the ED more time to respond to Kejriwal's challenge of the trial court's decision.
In a heartbreaking incident in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, two teenage girls, Pushpa and Gayatri, were found dead in their homes on Friday. Gayatri reportedly died by suicide, allegedly distressed over her inability to purchase winter clothing. Upon receiving news of her close friend's death, Pushpa also took her own life.
Prime Minister Modi invites everyone to experience the Rann Utsav in Gujarat's Kutch, showcasing its unique culture, arts, crafts, and historical sites like Dholavira. The festival, running until February 28, highlights the region's transformation from past disasters into a hub of tourism and cultural preservation, recognized by the UN.
Broccoli and cauliflower, while similar, offer distinct nutritional advantages. Broccoli boasts higher levels of vitamins A, C, and K, supporting eye health and overall well-being. Cauliflower holds a slight edge in potassium and is marginally lower in carbohydrates. Both vegetables are rich in antioxidants and promote vascular health, making their regular inclusion in a balanced diet beneficial.
A tanker truck carrying LPG collided with another truck on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway in Rajasthan, India, resulting in a massive fire that killed 14 people and injured 28 others. The ensuing blaze destroyed 37 vehicles. Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for the victims and their families. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
The Supreme Court slammed the misuse of temporary contracts. The court highlighted the exploitation of workers, especially in the gig economy. The court ordered reinstatement of sweepers who worked for two decades. The sweepers were employed by the Central Water Commission. The court ordered back wages for the sweepers. The court stressed fair employment practices for government organizations.
PM Modi will visit Kuwait on December 21-22. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years. The visit will enhance ties between India and Kuwait. Discussions will cover trade, defense, and energy cooperation. PM Modi will meet Kuwaiti leaders and the Indian diaspora. He will also attend the Arabian Gulf Cup opening ceremony.
A joint parliamentary committee (JPC) of 39 members, chaired by P.P. Chaudhary, will scrutinize the 'one nation, one election' bills. The committee, comprising members from various parties, including 22 from NDA and 15 from the opposition, will examine the proposed mechanism for simultaneous polls and submit its report by the next session's final week.
Amidst a political clash concerning Ambedkar's legacy, the JD(U) countered AAP after Kejriwal suggested Nitish Kumar consider Amit Shah's remarks on the Dalit icon. JD(U)'s Sanjay Jha highlighted Kumar's appointment of a Mahadalit CM, contrasting it with Kejriwal's actions. Jha also pointed to Shah's criticism of Congress's treatment of Ambedkar, emphasizing the NDA's inclusive approach towards a developed India.
A BJP MP gave Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi a bag with 'Genocide of Sikhs' written on it. This happened at Parliament. The bag referred to the 1984 events. Gandhi initially accepted the bag. She later reacted to the message. A Trinamool MP commented on the chairman's speaking time.
India lodged a protest with Bangladesh over remarks made by Mahfuz Alam, an aide to the interim government, suggesting India should acknowledge the uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Alam also claimed some Indian territories belonged to Bangladesh in a now-deleted social media post.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien criticized Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for allegedly speaking for nearly 30% of the Upper House's functional time during the winter session. O'Brien questioned if this constituted a new parliamentary record. This follows an unsuccessful attempt by opposition members to remove Dhankhar, citing bias and lack of trust.
A dispute over incense in a Kalyan building escalated into a Marathi vs. non-Marathi conflict, leading to the arrest of MTDC officer Akhilesh Shukla and two others for assaulting their Marathi neighbors. The incident sparked outrage in the Maharashtra assembly, with CM Fadnavis assuring strict action. Shukla denies making anti-Marathi remarks, claiming it was a personal dispute.
Karnataka High Court ordered the immediate release of BJP MLC CT Ravi on Friday. Police arrested him on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against state minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. Ravi alleged mistreatment and a head injury caused by police, accusing Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Hebbalkar of orchestrating an attack.
A devotee in Thiruporur accidentally dropped his iPhone into a temple's donation box. The temple authorities refused to return it, stating anything dropped in the hundi becomes temple property. They offered him the SIM card and access to the data, but the devotee pleaded for the phone's return, leaving its fate in the temple's hands.
A tragic bus accident involving an LPG tanker fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway claimed the life of police constable Anita Meena. Her brother, Basram Meena, endured a harrowing six-hour search, ultimately identifying her remains at the SMS Hospital mortuary. Frantic families faced delays and miscommunication as they desperately sought information about their loved ones amidst the chaos.
Two alleged drug traffickers, Jaswinder Singh and Jarnial Singh, were apprehended in Bishnah, Jammu, with 265 grams of a heroin-like substance, a pistol, and ammunition. Police intercepted their vehicle at a checkpoint acting on a tip-off. Both men have prior criminal records, with multiple FIRs lodged against them in various Jammu police stations. An investigation is underway.
BJP leader CT Ravi was arrested for derogatory remarks against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, sparking controversy over the legality of the arrest. Ravi's advocate argued the arrest violated Supreme Court guidelines. The Karnataka High Court granted Ravi bail, who then claimed the case was false and politically motivated.
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc experienced internal friction during the winter session of Parliament, with regional parties challenging the Congress's leadership. Disagreements arose on issues like the Adani controversy and EVM usage. However, Amit Shah's Ambedkar remarks united the opposition in protest, offering a temporary reprieve for the Congress amidst its electoral struggles and alliance tensions.
BJP members and Hindu organizations protested in Coimbatore against the state government's handling of the funeral of S.A. Basha, a convict in the 1998 Coimbatore bombings. Police detained BJP state president K. Annamalai and other leaders for holding the unauthorized Black Day procession. Annamalai criticized the government for allegedly glorifying a terrorist responsible for 58 deaths.
The government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2025 season. Milling copra's MSP is set at Rs 11,582 per quintal, while ball copra's is Rs 12,100. This represents a substantial increase of over 120% since 2014. The hike aims to benefit coconut growers, boost copra production, and meet growing market demands.
India has accused Canada of supporting anti-India separatist agendas through unsubstantiated criminal allegations against Indian citizens. The Indian government has requested Canada to act against anti-India elements operating within its borders, while also investigating US-shared intelligence regarding organized crime and terrorism linked to Indian nationals. India assures its citizens abroad that their safety is a top priority.
A 39-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, has been formed to review the bills enabling 'One Nation, One Election.' The committee, comprising members from various parties, including prominent BJP and opposition leaders, will analyze the feasibility of simultaneous elections and submit its report by the next parliamentary session's last week.
Delhi Police Crime Branch will now investigate the Parliament scuffle after complaints from both BJP and Congress. BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of assault and filed an FIR, citing injuries to two MPs. Congress countered, alleging BJP MPs pushed Mallikarjun Kharge and manhandled Gandhi. The incident stemmed from a clash over alleged insults to Dr BR Ambedkar.
BJP leader Navya Haridas has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court challenging Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Wayanad Lok Sabha seat victory. Haridas alleges that Vadra provided false information about her family's assets in her nomination papers, influencing voters and violating the Model Code of Conduct. A hearing is expected in January 2025. Vadra won the seat on November 13th.
A housekeeping employee at a Delhi government hospital was arrested for secretly filming inside the women's washroom. A woman discovered a hidden phone recording, leading to the arrest. The accused confessed to filming for a month. This incident follows a similar case in Bengaluru where a coffee shop employee hid a phone in the restroom dustbin, raising privacy concerns.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Modi's handling of the ongoing farmers' protests, citing the farmer leader's hunger strike and unfulfilled promises regarding Minimum Support Price (MSP). Kharge urged the government to engage in dialogue and address the farmers' concerns, emphasizing their importance to the nation.
A water leak on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Minneapolis caused panic among passengers on December 7th. Water streamed down the aisle from a rear restroom, prompting passengers to raise their belongings. A viral TikTok video captured the chaotic scene, drawing comparisons to the Titanic.
Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi, arrested for allegedly using derogatory language against state minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, has been granted bail. Ravi criticized the Congress government, calling their actions dictatorial and alleging a plot to kill him using a false complaint. He also accused the police of inaction regarding his own complaints.
India lodged a strong protest with Bangladesh over a Facebook post by Mahfuz Alam, an adviser to the interim government, suggesting annexation of Indian territories. Alam's post, made on Bangladesh's Victory Day, accused India of containing Bangladesh's growth and linked past events to efforts to reduce Bangladesh's dependence on India. The post has since been deleted.
The Telangana High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to BRS MLA KT Rama Rao until December 30 in the Formula E race case. The ACB had filed a case against Rama Rao, alleging unauthorized payments and foreign currency transactions related to organizing the race. The case is scheduled for further hearing on December 27.
India's Parliament was informed that 2,200 cases of violence against minorities were reported in Bangladesh this year until December 8, while Pakistan saw 112 cases until October. India has expressed concerns to both nations, urging them to ensure the safety and well-being of minorities. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh.