News

Trinamool Congress has suspended MLA Humayun Kabir for his controversial plan to lay the foundation of a mosque on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Despite the party's action, Kabir remains defiant, vowing to proceed with the plan and launch his own political party. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized unity, stating that disruptive elements would be removed.

India witnessed a grim rise in road fatalities in 2024, with 1.77 lakh deaths, averaging 485 daily. While National Highways showed a slight decrease in their share of accidents, overall deaths climbed 2.3% from the previous year. Experts emphasize the need for education and broader awareness campaigns to combat this crisis.

India and Russia are deepening their defense ties, focusing on niche technologies and industrial cooperation. Despite global pressures, New Delhi reaffirms its strategic autonomy. Discussions included S-400 systems, Sukhoi upgrades, and BrahMos missile advancements, underscoring a commitment to bolstering India's indigenous defense capabilities and maintaining a strong partnership with Moscow.

President Putin's visit to New Delhi has transformed key areas into a heavily fortified zone, mirroring G20 security measures. His custom-built Aurus Senat limousine, a olling bunker, was flown in for his protection. A five-layer security grid, combining Russian and Indian elite forces, ensures his safety, with snipers and anti-drone systems deployed.

Rajasthan high court affirmed that two consenting adults, even below marriageable age, have the right to a live-in relationship. Rejecting the argument that the male's age prevented cohabitation, the court cited Article 21, stating fundamental rights cannot be denied. Live-in relationships are not illegal, and the state must ensure protection.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the nation's steady defence partnership with Russia, despite global geopolitical uncertainty. The remarks were made during the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting, just before President Putin's arrival for the Annual Summit. Both ministers emphasized the strong, long-standing ties and ongoing cooperation across military and economic domains.

Security agencies launched an extensive search operation in Ajmer, Rajasthan, following a bomb threat email claiming RDX-based explosives were planted at the Ajmer Sharif dargah, district collectorate, and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The email warned of detonation coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival. Premises were evacuated and thoroughly checked, with no suspicious objects found so far.

Government sources have refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims that opposition leaders are barred from meeting foreign dignitaries. They stated that the Ministry of External Affairs facilitates official meetings, while engagements outside this framework are at the visitor's discretion. Several foreign leaders have met Gandhi since he became Leader of the Opposition, including Prime Ministers from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mauritius, and New Zealand.

As President Putin prepares for a visit to India, old images of him with Prime Minister Modi from 2001 have resurfaced. Then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi accompanied PM Vajpayee to Moscow, marking his first international engagement and early diplomatic interaction with Putin. The visit fostered cooperation between Gujarat and Russia's Astrakhan region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi for a crucial summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking to bolster energy and arms ties amidst Western sanctions. India navigates a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its historical partnership with Moscow against growing ties with Washington, aiming for strategic autonomy.

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed state governments to provide additional staff to reduce the workload of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved in EC's SIR exercise. This comes amid reports of excessive pressure and alleged suicides, with the court emphasising case-by-case consideration for exemption requests and ensuring adequate workforce. The direction was issued after TVK's plea flagging BLO plight.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra deflected questions on the rupee breaching the 90 mark against the US dollar, urging reporters to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his 2013 remarks on the falling rupee. Meanwhile, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran stated the government is not concerned about the currency's decline, as it is not impacting inflation or exports.

India faces a significant healthcare deficit, falling short of global standards for hospital beds and struggling with doctor and nurse shortages, despite a decade of expansion in medical education. The Union Health Ministry acknowledged these gaps, particularly in rural areas and smaller states, highlighting the urgent need to fill vacancies and strengthen infrastructure to meet national norms.

A mother and son, working at a construction site, killed a contractor who allegedly attempted to rape the woman. While they faced legal consequences, their father, accused of years of abuse, allegedly raped their younger daughters. The horrific abuse surfaced when a younger son alerted neighbours, leading to the father's arrest and the children's rescue.

In a humanitarian move, the Indian government will bring back a pregnant Bangladeshi national, Sunali Khatun, and her son after their deportation. The Supreme Court, emphasizing humanity over law, directed the Centre to send Sunali to her father in West Bengal for care. The court also raised questions about her citizenship based on her father's status.

Former Maoists are finding new purpose in Chhattisgarh's Bastar Olympics, trading guns for sports. Surrendered cadres like Kamla and Podiyam Bhima are now training for events like tug-of-war and archery, drawn by the opportunity to rebuild their lives. This initiative, supported by national leaders, marks a significant shift in the region.

A fierce gun battle on the Dantewada-Bijapur border in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Maoists and three District Reserve Guard personnel. This significant loss for the outlawed group occurred as security forces intensified operations in the region. Weapons were recovered, and the search for more insurgents continues.

The BJP has reacted strongly against remarks from two Congress Chief Ministers, which they regard as mockery of Hindu traditions. Spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi called into question whether Congress is employing tactics that demean Hindu deities, spotlighting comments by Telangana's CM Revanth Reddy and Himachal CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's exchanges with young audiences.