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Politics / The Times of India
The Supreme Court questioned the obligation to illegal entrants during a hearing on Rohingya disappearances. The court asked if 'intruders' should receive a 'red carpet welcome'. The bench emphasized that if individuals lack legal status, deportation is a valid consideration. The court pondered the implications of illegal entry followed by demands for legal protections.
The government clarified that the Sanchar Saathi App can be deleted by users, stating their role was only to introduce it. This statement followed a political uproar over the mandatory pre-installation of the app on mobile handsets, with the opposition raising privacy concerns and likening it to a 'snooping app'.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Modi government for a fresh FIR in the National Herald case, calling it a political vendetta against the Gandhi family. The BJP countered, demanding explanations for alleged loot by its leaders and stating the case predates the current administration. The Congress maintains the ED is conducting a politically motivated witch hunt.
The Congress party has criticized the BJP government's filing of a fresh FIR in the National Herald case, calling it a desperate attempt to rectify a legal loophole. They argue the original case, based on a private complaint, lacked a government or police complaint, making the chargesheet legally untenable.
India's National Centre for Disease Control has launched a new system empowering citizens to report unusual health events via a QR code. This initiative aims to transform ordinary individuals into early disease sentinels, enabling faster intervention and prevention of large-scale outbreaks by flagging clusters of fevers, diarrhoea, and other symptoms.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Finance Ministry does not direct LIC's investment choices. She stated that LIC's investments in the Adani Group, amounting to over Rs 48,000 crore in equity and debt, were made independently following standard operating procedures and thorough due diligence. These decisions adhere to regulations set by IRDAI, RBI, and Sebi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the critical health of former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia, offering India's full support for her treatment. This gesture comes amid Zia's party accusing India of backing rival Sheikh Hasina, highlighting a complex geopolitical dynamic as Bangladesh approaches elections.
Prime Minister Modi offered India's unwavering support to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has dispatched emergency rations and relief materials via naval ships and air force aircraft. Indian helicopters have conducted extensive rescue operations, aiding over 150 individuals from various nationalities, demonstrating strong solidarity.
The Delhi High Court has directed the CBFC to review objections from the parents of Major Mohit Sharma concerning the film 'Dhurandhar'. The parents claim the movie, slated for release on December 5, is inspired by the decorated officer's life without family or Army consent. CBFC will consider these concerns before certification, potentially consulting the Army.
The Supreme Court will consider a plea to add persecuted minorities from neighboring countries to voter lists while their citizenship applications are pending. The NGO 'Aatmadeep' argues that acknowledgment receipts for CAA applications should be considered provisional proof for electoral inclusion, preventing statelessness and disenfranchisement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the opposition to cease using Parliament for political frustration stemming from election defeats, particularly in Bihar. He stressed that the legislature should focus on policy discussions and national progress, not on state-level political drama or protests. Modi suggested that parties should adapt their strategies rather than disrupt proceedings.
Over 20 companies have been banned from participating in the IIT placement season for revoking job offers made to students, some as late as June or July. This decision was made unanimously by IITs to protect students' career prospects and mental well-being. The banned firms can still recruit through off-campus processes.
India has vehemently refuted Pakistani media claims of denying airspace for humanitarian aid flights to Sri Lanka. Official sources confirmed the request was expeditiously cleared within four hours, despite Pakistan's prior airspace ban on Indian airlines, emphasizing the decision was purely humanitarian.
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's first day as Rajya Sabha chairman saw a warm welcome from the treasury benches, led by PM Modi, praising his democratic rise. However, the opposition, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, clashed with the treasury, raising concerns about the previous chairman's sudden exit and demanding equal treatment for opposition voices.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Modi of dramabazi and undermining parliamentary conventions. He highlighted the government's refusal to debate public issues and the passage of bills without discussion. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the drama surrounding BLO deaths and UP polls, demanding compensation and a probe into voter list exercises allegedly favouring the BJP.
Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted on the first day of the winter session as opposition parties demanded an immediate debate on the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The government refused to commit to a timeline, leading to walkouts and adjournments. The opposition remains determined to force the issue, despite internal disagreements.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury brought a rescued stray dog to Parliament, stating Those sitting inside Parliament bite, dogs don't. She claimed the government dislikes animals. Union minister Ramdas Athawale retorted, You keep bringing 'kutta' here and we will continue to get 'satta'. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal accused Chowdhury of amasha and violating protocol.
The ED has issued show-cause notices to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, his chief principal secretary, and former finance minister in a Rs 467 crore FEMA violation case. The notices relate to KIIFB's alleged misuse of funds raised through masala bonds for land purchase, which is prohibited under RBI directives.
Smartphone manufacturers must now pre-install the government's Sanchar Saathi app on all devices sold in India. This mandate, effective within 90 days, aims to bolster cyber security and prevent IMEI tampering. However, privacy advocates express strong concerns, viewing it as an invasion of personal space and a potential threat to user data.
The Supreme Court has ordered a pan-India CBI probe into digital arrest scams, granting the agency a free hand to investigate bankers involved in mule accounts. The court also directed coordination with Interpol and asked the RBI to explore AI for identifying suspicious bank accounts, while emphasizing the need for better SIM card issuance norms and state-level cybercrime coordination centers.
Central and parts of northwest and peninsular India brace for a colder winter with below-normal day and night temperatures expected from December to February. The region anticipates an increase of 4-5 additional cold wave days, potentially impacting vulnerable populations and transportation. Authorities are advised to maintain preparedness for these weather shifts.
BSF Kashmir IG Ashok Yadav stated that 120 terrorists on 69 launch pads across the LoC are under close watch, with Operation Sindoor ready for activation if Pakistan attempts any misadventure. Following Indian strikes, Pakistan shifted some launch pads deeper, but they remain under surveillance. Infiltration attempts have significantly dropped this year.
Imran Khan's son, Kasim Khan, expressed grave concerns to Reuters, fearing something irreversible is happening to his father due to a lack of verifiable contact and denied access to his personal physician. Despite jail authorities claiming Khan is in good health, the family's fears are amplified by prolonged isolation and mounting speculation.
Parliament's winter session commenced with significant disruptions. Opposition MPs clashed with the government over former Vice President Dhankhar's exit, Delhi's air quality, and electoral roll revisions. Prime Minister Modi urged against turning Parliament into a stage for frustration, while the opposition insisted on debating public issues. Proceedings saw multiple adjournments and a Rajya Sabha walkout.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake, offering condolences and continued aid for Cyclone Ditwah's devastation. India's 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' has delivered crucial relief, including rescue teams and supplies, reaffirming its 'First Responder' role. Sri Lanka expressed deep gratitude for New Delhi's swift and substantial support during this critical time.
Central and northwest India brace for a colder winter from December 2025 to February 2026, with below-normal day and night temperatures expected. The region anticipates 4-5 additional cold wave days, potentially impacting vulnerable populations and transportation. Authorities are advised to maintain preparedness for these intensified conditions.
India has been invited to chair the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for the first time, a recognition of its successful electoral process. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will assume the Chair on December 3, 2026, in Stockholm, Sweden. This appointment highlights India's significant experience in managing elections for its vast electorate.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, on Monday, submitted a Suspension of Business notice in the House ahead of the first day of the Winter Session, demanding a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in 12 States and Union Territories.
Shashi Tharoor missed a key Congress strategy meeting ahead of Parliament's Winter Session, citing travel from Kerala with his elderly mother. This follows previous absences and public praise for Prime Minister Modi, intensifying friction within the party since his presidential election bid.
The Supreme Court has ordered a nationwide CBI investigation into digital arrests, a growing cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate officials to extort money. The court also questioned the RBI on AI's use in freezing cyber fraud-linked accounts and directed CBI to seek Interpol's help against offshore criminals.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury sparked controversy by bringing a stray puppy to Parliament grounds, claiming she rescued it from the road. She asserted that eal dogs who ite are already in Parliament, criticizing the government. BJP MP Jagdambika Pal condemned the act as amasha and a breach of protocol, demanding action.
Gaurav Gogoi accused Prime Minister Modi of hijacking Parliament during the Winter Session, alleging the government refuses to discuss the Indian election system. Gogoi stated that while the opposition is willing to cooperate on government bills, the BJP is not accommodating opposition issues in the parliamentary agenda, undermining democratic functioning.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday addressed public grievances and concerns during 'Janta Darshan' in Lucknow, where he met people from different parts of the district and personally listened to their issues.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin visits New Delhi, it will be his first visit to India since the Ukraine war began. As the two old partners Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin meet again, the news will be about missiles and credit cards, fighter jets, and oil flows. But the real story behind may be far more complicated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan to the Rajya Sabha on the first day of Winter Session, highlighting his dedication to social service and his connection with tribal communities in Jharkhand. PM Modi assured the House's cooperation, emphasizing decorum and policy over slogans, while also urging the opposition to move past recent election defeats.
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, said Uttarakhand CMO.
Parliament's winter session faces disruption as opposition demands a debate on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities. Despite the government's non-committal stance, parties are united, threatening to stall proceedings if their concerns aren't addressed. Other issues like national security and air pollution were also raised.
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.

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