India's Enforcement Directorate launched a money laundering investigation into BRS leader K T Rama Rao. The case involves alleged irregular payments for the 2023 Hyderabad Formula-E race. Authorities are investigating payments of around Rs 55 crore. Rama Rao denies wrongdoing, stating the payments were properly made. The investigation follows an Anti-Corruption Bureau FIR.

The Telangana High Court has granted interim relief to BRS leader KT Rama Rao in the Formula-E race case, preventing his arrest until December 30. Rama Rao is accused of making unauthorized payments for the race during the previous regime. The court directed him to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, while the government has been asked to file a counter.

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau filed a case against K.T. Rama Rao. The case involves alleged improper payments for the Hyderabad Formula-E race. The race was cancelled this year. Rama Rao denies wrongdoing and wants a public debate. He claims the payments were properly made. The governor granted permission for the case. Rama Rao says he will fight the charges.

The central government has introduced a bill, BULA, to combat unregulated lending. The bill proposes up to 10 years imprisonment and substantial fines for violators. This action follows the RBI's recommendations and aims to protect borrowers from predatory practices, including harassment and coercive loan recovery tactics by fraudulent loan apps.

India and Israel's foreign ministers held a phone call. They talked about a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The ministers also discussed their countries' relationship. Syria's situation after the fall of President Assad was another topic. India wants a peaceful solution in Syria.

World-renowned tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at 73 in the US on Sunday, December 15, due to heart-related complications. The son of Ustad Alla Rakha Khan, Hussain began his musical journey at a young age, achieving international acclaim for his contributions to Indian classical and world music.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged Naxals in Chhattisgarh to surrender and embrace mainstream life, promising rehabilitation support. He warned of strong action by security forces if they refuse, aiming for a Naxal-free India by 2026. Shah highlighted the success of anti-Naxal operations under the BJP government and the potential for Bastar's tourism growth.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the Congress party's objections to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), echoing the BJP's stance. He argued that accepting wins while blaming losses on EVMs is inconsistent. Abdullah defended the Central Vista project, emphasizing his independent thinking.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has directed party leaders to amplify their advocacy for Odisha's tribal communities facing displacement due to the Polavaram dam project. A BJD delegation voiced concerns to the Centre, highlighting potential submergence of villages and environmental damage.

A farmers' protest march to Delhi was halted after Haryana police used tear gas, injuring several farmers. The march, demanding guaranteed minimum support prices for crops, was stopped at the Shambhu border by barricades and tear gas. Farmer leaders say they will decide their next course of action after a meeting.

The Israeli military reported that Hezbollah fired projectiles into a disputed border region, marking the first attack since last week's ceasefire. Hezbollah stated that the attack was in response to alleged Israeli ceasefire violations. The projectiles landed in open areas, causing no injuries. A US- and French-brokered ceasefire had started to reduce a year-long conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Immigration police in Bangladesh stopped dozens of ISKCON members from crossing into India despite valid passports and visas. Authorities cited the absence of specific government permission required for their travel. This development follows the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and subsequent legal and social actions against ISKCON in Bangladesh.

The Congress criticized the government as India's economic growth slowed to 5.4% in the July-September quarter of 2024, highlighting a poor performance in manufacturing and mining. Jairam Ramesh claimed that despite government initiatives, private investment and export growth remained weak, emphasizing Modi's underwhelming economic record compared to Manmohan Singh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized opposition parties for spreading propaganda against the BJP-led central government. He claimed that the opposition aims to mislead people to capture power. Modi also highlighted the BJP's dedicated work for Odisha's development and the party's recent electoral successes in Odisha, Haryana, and Maharashtra, emphasizing the strength of BJP workers.

Bangladesh has frozen the bank accounts of 17 ISKCON associates for 30 days after Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on sedition charges. The High Court rejected a petition to ban ISKCON following a lawyer's death during clashes. The financial intelligence unit ordered banks to provide updated transaction statements of these accounts within three working days.

India and the UK have signed an agreement to co-design and co-produce electric propulsion systems for future warships, reflecting their commitment to expand strategic cooperation. The Statement of Intent, inked by senior defence officials from both nations, focuses on developing propulsion capabilities for landing platform docks to be built in India.

The government approved substantial funding for disaster management. Rs 1,000 crore will go to 15 states for mitigation projects. Another Rs 115.67 crore is allocated for training civil defence volunteers across India. Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh each received Rs 139 crore. The Northeast received a combined Rs 378 crore. This initiative aims to strengthen disaster resilience and minimize losses.

Three people were killed and several injured in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, during a clash between police and protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a mosque. The protesters, who believe the mosque stands on the site of a demolished temple, threw stones and attempted to set vehicles ablaze.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) organized a rally in Odisha on Sunday, protesting against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and demanding its withdrawal. They argued that the bill could disrupt communal harmony and impact the management of Waqf properties.

India and Japan are discussing a military logistics sharing agreement to enhance interoperability and counter China's growing military presence. The two nations are also exploring deeper cooperation in defense production, including co-development of military hardware and technology.

India and Australia have agreed to allow their air forces to refuel each other's aircraft mid-air. This agreement, announced by defense ministers from both countries, is expected to enhance India's military reach in the Indo-Pacific and signifies a strengthening of bilateral defense ties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali have pledged to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The two leaders signed five agreements to facilitate collaboration in these sectors, with a particular focus on energy security and pharmaceutical exports. This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Guyana in 56 years.

The Biden administration has authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied antipersonnel landmines to counter Russia's battlefield advances. This decision, along with allowing Ukraine to strike targets within Russia using longer-range missiles, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy. The move comes as Russia intensifies its offensive in eastern Ukraine and threatens further escalation, including potential nuclear responses.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart in Laos. The meeting followed the recent disengagement of troops at two disputed border points. Both sides agreed to resume patrols after years of halted activity. The meeting took place during a security summit hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Unified Headquarters met in Srinagar to address recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. They created a strategy to break the cycle of violence, dismantle the terror ecosystem, and strengthen community relations. Increased security measures have led to the neutralization of 720 terrorists over five years, with efforts continuing to ensure peace and development in the region.