News

A booming tax haul fuels government spending, but the fiscal gap persists as sanitation, administration and education absorb the biggest slices of the pie.

In his letter, Gogoi drew attention to a statement made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the state Assembly on 24 November, where he claimed that findings of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Assam Police suggested that Garg's death was a murder. The Chief Minister further stated that multiple individuals have been booked and that the alleged crime was planned and executed by a group.

Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule has proposed 'The Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025' to promote work-life balance. The bill aims to curb employee burnout from constant digital communication by granting workers the right to ignore work-related calls and emails outside office hours. Companies could face penalties for non-compliance, encouraging negotiation of out-of-hour service conditions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed the Centre for excluding Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi from President Murmu's state dinner for Vladimir Putin. She termed the move petty, arguing the President's office should be bipartisan. Congress leaders echoed this sentiment, questioning the guest list and alleging government insecurity.

A Delhi court is considering a new chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Robert Vadra. This case involves alleged money laundering connected to arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Vadra has been questioned previously in this matter. The ED is investigating financial transactions and property investments linked to Bhandari. This is the second money-laundering charge against Vadra.

The UK has sanctioned British Sikh businessman Gurpreet Singh Rehal and associated entities under its new Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime. This action aims to cut off funding for the pro-Khalistan militant outfit Babbar Khalsa, freezing assets and disqualifying Rehal from directorships due to suspected involvement in terrorism financing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with specially curated gifts showcasing Indian culture during his two-day visit for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The gifts included a Russian edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, GI-tagged Assam tea, Kashmiri saffron, and a silver tea set, highlighting India's heritage and craftsmanship.

Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day state visit to India, marked by a warm reception from PM Modi and discussions on strengthening bilateral ties. Key outcomes included a new economic cooperation program aiming for $100 billion trade by 2030 and a focus on peace efforts in Ukraine.

Twelve labourers from Pilibhit are reportedly stranded and facing severe harassment in Kyrgyzstan. Families allege they were sent by local agents on misleading contracts, paid hefty sums, and are now subjected to brutal treatment and denied return. The district administration has submitted a detailed report to the UP Home Department, initiating steps for their safe repatriation.

The Red Fort in New Delhi will host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, welcoming over 1,000 delegates. The event aims to showcase India's diverse culture and formally propose Diwali for inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, following previous successful nominations.

Prime Minister Modi urged President Putin towards peace in Ukraine, emphasizing India's commitment to global welfare and a peaceful resolution. While not neutral, India supports all peace efforts. Putin briefed Modi on ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including with the US, to end the crisis. This stance aims to reassure the West amidst concerns over the summit.

A pregnant woman and her son, detained as illegal immigrants and deported to Bangladesh, have finally returned to India after a six-month ordeal. The mother, nine months pregnant, and her eight-year-old son crossed the border into West Bengal. Her husband and another woman with her two sons remain in Bangladesh, awaiting repatriation.

The government has temporarily suspended new pilot duty time rules to ease IndiGo's widespread flight cancellations, aiming for normalcy by December 15. This decision, made in the interest of passengers, follows significant disruptions and a substantial market value loss for IndiGo. Pilots' associations, however, criticize the move, citing safety concerns and questioning the airline's preparation.

Calcutta High Court has ordered the Bengal government to prevent communal unrest in Murshidabad's Beldanga ahead of a suspended TMC MLA's controversial Babri Masjid foundation-laying ceremony on December 6. Authorities have deployed significant security forces to maintain law and order, with the MLA proceeding with arrangements despite the court's directive.

India shoulders a significant malaria burden in Southeast Asia, despite regional progress. While cases have dropped dramatically, millions remain at risk, particularly in remote areas. Aggressive interventions have driven down incidence, but challenges like drug resistance and outbreaks in forest regions persist. India's progress marks a major shift towards elimination.

India and Russia reaffirmed their strong ties, signing over a dozen agreements to boost economic partnership to $100 billion by 2030. Both nations committed to uninterrupted fuel shipments and discussed civil nuclear cooperation. Discussions also covered defense, manpower mobility, and India's UN Security Council bid, with leaders expressing satisfaction with the summit's outcomes.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the immediate declaration of Maharashtra civic election results, dismissing any further delays due to pending High Court cases. The apex court ruled that results for all municipal bodies will be announced after the final round of voting on December 20, irrespective of ongoing legal challenges.

Tamil Nadu's DMK government sought an urgent Supreme Court hearing on its appeal against the Madras High Court's order allowing the 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting atop Thiruparankundram hills. The state claims exclusive rights over temple rituals, defying the HC's directives. The SC acknowledged the plea but offered no immediate assurance for an early listing.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a dying declaration remains valid even if there's a time gap before the victim's death, and it doesn't need to be made under immediate threat. Such statements, even if not recorded by a magistrate or medically certified for mental fitness, are admissible. This decision allows prosecution of in-laws in a dowry death case.

India and Russia are set to significantly boost nuclear energy collaboration following President Putin's visit. Discussions focused on constructing a second Russian-designed nuclear power plant, with India committed to finalizing site allocation. The agreement also encompasses expanding cooperation in fuel cycle, lifecycle support for Kudankulam, and peaceful atomic energy applications.

Undeterred by global pressures, Russia has commenced nuclear fuel deliveries for Kudankulam's third unit, reinforcing its commitment to uninterrupted energy cooperation with India. This marks the first VVER-1000 fuel shipment under a new contract, promising extended operational cycles and improved performance for India's growing nuclear power capacity.

India and Russia have pledged to boost joint efforts on climate action, aligning with global UN goals and the Paris Agreement. Both nations will collaborate on increasing climate finance and technology access for developing countries. They also agreed to intensify dialogue on carbon trading, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable finance, while continuing cooperation within G20, Brics, and SCO.

Tezpur University faces turmoil as senior professor Dhruba Bhattacharyya takes charge as acting vice-chancellor, citing university statutes. This move follows a controversial board meeting where a pro-VC was reportedly appointed, sparking student and faculty protests against the absent VC, Shambhu Nath Singh, over alleged corruption and mismanagement. Bhattacharyya aims to resume academic activities and exams.

Interpol-wanted wildlife trafficker Yangchen Lachungpa, a decade-long fugitive, was apprehended in a remote Sikkim village. Her arrest, following a complex operation, marks a significant breakthrough in combating international wildlife smuggling. Authorities believe her network linked Indian tiger reserves to Nepal, Tibet, and China, dealing in various endangered species parts.

Tragedy struck India's cheetah reintroduction project as a 10-month-old cub died in Kuno National Park just a day after its 'historic' release. The cub, separated from its mother Veera and sibling, was found dead Friday. Officials are awaiting an autopsy to determine the cause, while the mother and remaining cub are reportedly safe and monitored closely.

Jammu and Kashmir's State Investigation Agency conducted raids in Srinagar and Ganderbal, targeting a white-collar terror network. Investigations into an inter-state module led to the search of an AC technician's residence and another individual's home, uncovering links to weapons and a Jaish-e-Mohammad module involving doctors.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invoked India's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' slogan, stating it reflects the true character of India-Russia relations. He emphasized cooperation in the Eurasian space to build peace, trust, and security for all, highlighting the strategic and people-centric nature of their partnership.

President Droupadi Murmu hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin for a grand state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, concluding his two-day visit. The event featured a curated menu of Indian delicacies and a musical celebration blending Indian classical and Russian melodies, reinforcing diplomatic and cultural ties.

India and Russia have pledged to boost their joint efforts in implementing climate actions under UN frameworks, including the Paris Agreement. Both nations will collaborate on increasing access to climate finance and technologies for developing countries and economies in transition. They also agreed to intensify bilateral dialogue on carbon trade mechanisms and low-carbon technologies.