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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.

The government has withdrawn its directive mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new smartphones following widespread criticism from the industry and opposition. While defending the app's utility for cyber security, officials admitted being surprised by the strong negative reaction from global manufacturers. The decision aims to de-escalate the controversy.

The Rajya Sabha has officially passed the extension of the Water Pollution Act to Manipur through a voice vote. This decision sparked sharp criticism from opposition MPs, who slammed the government's approach to the state's ongoing crisis, accusing it of fostering centralization and neglecting democratic values.

Opposition MPs staged a protest against new labour codes, deeming them 'anti-labour' and a threat to job security. Concerns were raised about relaxed layoff thresholds, potential erosion of permanent jobs through contract hiring, and restrictions on striking. Leaders criticized the government's move as favoring corporations over workers' rights and demanded the codes' immediate rollback.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that Jawaharlal Nehru wished to rebuild the Babri Mosque with public funds, citing a book based on Sardar Patel's daughter's diary. Congress vehemently denied this, calling it a fabricated 'WhatsApp university story' and a distraction from pressing national issues. They challenged the minister to provide evidence.

The government has reintroduced excise duty on tobacco products, not a new cess, to prevent cigarettes from becoming more affordable. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified this move aims to maintain deterrent prices, aligning with past practices. The bill, passed by Lok Sabha, also mandates retail sale price declarations on pan masala packs from February to ensure GST compliance.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated his government has finalized a rationalized reservation policy, forwarding it to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for approval. This move comes amid concerns from general category candidates about potential quota increases. A cabinet sub-committee, formed to address the issue, submitted its report, aiming for fairness to all communities.

Pharmacies across India will soon feature a QR code and toll-free number to report medicine side effects. This initiative by the CDSCO aims to empower citizens and healthcare professionals to instantly flag adverse drug reactions, strengthening India's drug safety monitoring. The move is expected to significantly boost reporting, allowing for early detection and prevention of harm to a wider population.

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal criticized the Punjab government's drug de-addiction efforts, highlighting Enforcement Directorate findings of de-addiction centers supplying drugs. She questioned the central government's role in ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose, a concern acknowledged by the minister.

India, through Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, has accepted the chairship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA). Kumar pledged to share India's extensive experience in transparent elections to foster more inclusive and resilient democracies globally. This significant role highlights the Election Commission of India's international credibility and innovative approach to electoral management.

The government has penalized highway contractors and consultants Rs 302 crore over the past three years for poor work and infrastructure failures. Fifty firms faced bans or terminations, while 11 officers were removed from service as part of a clean-up drive.

Farmers from various districts gathered at the programme, where they presented the Chief Minister with a specially curated basket symbolising the state's agricultural richness. The basket, offered by BJP Kisan Morcha State President Mahendra Singh Negi, contained sugarcane along with traditional hill produce such as Gaderi (colocasia), Malta (citrus fruit), ginger and honey. The gesture reflected the gratitude of the farming community for what they described as a proactive and timely government

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into IndiGo's network disruptions, citing massive flight delays and cancellations. The airline reported 1,232 flight cancellations in November due to crew constraints and ATC failures. IndiGo attributed the issues to unexpected operational problems, including technical glitches and winter schedule adjustments.

BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar stated that the Taj Mahal's protective regulations have become a curse for Agra, hindering industrial development and job creation. He argued that strict Taj Trapezium Zone and NGT norms prevent industries from being set up, leading to youth unemployment. Chahar advocated for an IT hub to balance development with preserving the monument's beauty.

Karnataka's chief ministerial post remains undecided despite meetings between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. The Congress high command faces a complex challenge involving loyalty, caste arithmetic, and the party's future in the state. Both leaders are awaiting a decision from Delhi, with potential solutions ranging from status quo to power rotation.

India and Russia are set to discuss advanced BrahMos missile development during President Putin's visit. Following its success in Operation Sindoor, India seeks lighter, versatile BrahMos-NG variants for its Air Force and extended-range systems. This collaboration underscores the strong Indo-Russian strategic partnership, with further talks on next-gen hypersonic and air-to-air missiles also anticipated.

AI assistants are evolving from tools to emotional anchors, with people forming deep, private bonds with chatbots as therapists and friends. This reliance, driven by immediacy and comfort, blurs lines between reality and imagination, leading to potential emotional dependency and even 'AI psychosis.' While AI offers a low-effort outlet for unfiltered conversations, experts warn it cannot replace genuine human connection and empathy, highlighting the profound impact on our emotional landscapes.

Beyond Type 1, co-founded by Nick Jonas and supported by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, has launched #TheBeyondType campaign in India to combat type 1 diabetes stigma. The initiative highlights inspiring individuals living with T1D and partners with local organisations to improve awareness, medical support, and community networks for affected families across the nation.

IndiGo has apologised for widespread flight disruptions over the past two days. The airline cited a combination of technical glitches, winter schedule changes, bad weather, airport congestion, and new crew rostering rules. To address the situation, IndiGo has adjusted its flight schedules for the next 48 hours. Affected passengers are being offered alternative flights or refunds.

IndiGo faced massive disruptions Wednesday, cancelling over 70 flights and causing widespread delays due to crew shortages following new duty norms, technology glitches, and airport congestion. On-time performance plummeted, impacting thousands of passengers. Airlines are working to restore normalcy, but a clear timeline remains uncertain.

IndiGo is experiencing significant flight delays and cancellations, impacting nearly two out of three domestic passengers. This disruption stems from a critical crew shortage following the implementation of new flight duty time limitations. The airline, known for its punctuality, has seen its on-time performance plummet, causing widespread inconvenience during the peak travel season.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labelled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Nehru-Babri Masjid remark a 'distraction' from pressing public issues. Singh alleged Nehru wanted government funds for the mosque, contrasting it with Sardar Patel's opposition and secularism. Rahul Gandhi declined comment. Singh's statement precedes the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.