The Times of India News

A tragic bus accident in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district claimed nine lives and injured twenty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the affected families. An ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh was announced for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, felicitated three men arrested for assaulting chicken patty vendors at a religious event, shortly after their bail. Adhikari stated his primary duty is to protect his dharma and Hindu brothers and sisters, asserting his legal team facilitated their release.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive conversation, reaffirming bilateral cooperation and discussing regional and global issues. The call signals renewed engagement, with progress noted in most areas except trade, where US tariffs remain a point of contention. Both leaders emphasized continued collaboration for global peace and prosperity.

A pregnant domestic worker, Sunali Khatun, recounts her harrowing experience of being deported to Bangladesh despite possessing Indian identity documents. Detained during an identity verification drive, she and her family were allegedly pushed across the border, leading to months of hardship and fear. Her father's legal intervention highlights the family's desperate plea for justice.

Traced To Hotel Based On Travel, Passport Details

The Election Commission has adjusted the special intensive revision schedule for poll rolls in several states and a Union Territory. New deadlines for submitting enumeration forms and publishing draft electoral rolls have been set, with final rolls expected in February 2026. This revision aims to ensure all eligible voters are included.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted extensive searches across 40 locations in Delhi, Kolkata, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh targeting a radicalized IS module. Investigations revealed alleged use of crime proceeds for weapons, explosives, recruitment, and training of terror suspects. This money laundering probe stems from an NIA chargesheet, with intelligence suggesting illicit wood trade funding extremist activities.

The Supreme Court emphasised that electoral roll revisions must be thorough, not mere copies. The Election Commission's voter enumeration process will involve inquiries to confirm citizenship, rather than waiting for complaints. The Court noted migration as a valid reason for nationwide roll updates, even without specific statistics, and dismissed claims of arbitrariness in the selection of states for the exercise.

The Supreme Court has denied former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's plea to suspend his 20-year jail sentence in a 1996 drug planting case. Bhatt, convicted by a Gujarat court, sought bail but the bench declined his request. The case involves allegations of framing a lawyer in Palanpur, with Bhatt accused of planting drugs to settle a property dispute.

The government has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of marginalization in Central Information Commission appointments. Sources state that five out of eight recommended candidates are from disadvantaged sections, including SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities. The government highlighted past UPA inaction on SC/ST appointments, contrasting it with NDA's appointments, including the first SC CIC.

Reasi Police have bolstered village-level defence by forming 97 new Village Defence Guard (VDG) groups. This initiative includes replacing 726 aged personnel and recruiting 1,902 new members to enhance security preparedness across the district's remote and sensitive areas.

Construction at the 850-MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar faces a shutdown threat due to alleged political interference and demands for local hiring. Management warns of halting work amidst union disputes and pressure to employ inexperienced individuals, echoing past disruptions that caused significant delays and losses.

Kashmir's apple farmers face a grave health crisis as studies reveal a strong link between pesticide exposure and malignant brain tumors. Decades of unchecked spraying, often exceeding recommended limits, have led to alarming incidences of cancer in fruit-growing districts. Lawmakers are now demanding urgent action to protect these vital workers.

Ladakh's campaign for statehood and Sixth Schedule status intensified as the Leh Apex Body presented its draft proposal. While proponents advocate for greater autonomy, concerns were raised about the region's financial viability as a state. The draft also seeks amnesty for protesters and constitutional safeguards.

The Election Commission has revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in five states and a Union Territory following requests from chief electoral officers. New deadlines for submitting enumeration forms and publishing draft electoral rolls have been set, with the final rolls to be published in February 2026.

NHPC is seeking an NOC from the environment ministry to use Subansiri Lower project assets for future debt financing without offering forest land as collateral. This clarification follows reports of the ministry rejecting a proposal, stating it was not tenable under the Forest Conservation Act.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive call, reviewing the robust India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral cooperation and discussed enhancing trade, critical technologies, energy, and defense. They also committed to collaborating on regional and global issues, reinforcing their commitment to a deepening strategic alliance.

A mini-truck carrying 22 labourers fell into a gorge in Arunachal Pradesh. The accident occurred on Monday night. A survivor reached a Border Roads Organisation camp to seek help. Eighteen bodies have been spotted. An NDRF team is en route for recovery operations. The Prime Minister's Office announced financial aid for the victims' families.

The World Bank has approved $599.66 million in financing for two major clean air programs in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. These initiatives aim to improve air quality, reduce health impacts, and strengthen both states as attractive business destinations. The programs will invest in clean cooking, electric mobility, and cleaner industrial practices.

The Supreme Court has ruled that acid-attackers who force victims to ingest acid must face charges of attempt to murder, not just grievous hurt. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that such perpetrators pose a significant threat to society. This ruling came during a hearing on a PIL by an acid-attack survivor advocating for broader recognition of victims.

Tragedy struck in Arunachal Pradesh as at least 22 Assam labourers are feared dead after their mini truck plunged into a deep gorge near the Indo-China border. A lone survivor, severely injured, alerted authorities after a perilous journey. Rescue operations are underway, with specialized teams and the Army working to retrieve bodies from the treacherous terrain.

A Delhi court has granted interim bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid from December 16 to 29. This temporary relief allows him to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid, arrested under UAPA in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, will return to custody after the permitted period.

The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with 11 crew members for illegally operating within Indian waters. This decisive action underscores India's commitment to protecting its maritime frontiers and upholding international maritime law. The operation highlights the Coast Guard's sustained vigilance and proactive approach to national maritime security.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the assault on vendors selling non-veg food at a Gita recital event, stating such intimidation won't be tolerated in the state. She criticized the BJP for attempting to import communal division and questioned the need for public religious events for political mobilization.

President Droupadi Murmu commenced a two-day visit to Manipur, her first since taking office and since the ethnic conflict began. Her itinerary includes attending a polo event, offering prayers at a temple, and participating in Nupi Lan celebrations. Security has been heightened due to a militant-called shutdown.

A parliamentary exchange saw Congress MP Jairam Ramesh present Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Maniben Patel's diary. Ramesh stated the diary entries do not support Singh's recent claim regarding Jawaharlal Nehru and the Babri Masjid. Singh indicated he had an English version. The incident follows Singh's remarks in Gujarat, which Congress has challenged, citing Patel's daughter's writings.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur accused TMC MPs of vaping e-cigarettes in Lok Sabha, prompting Speaker Om Birla to state that no permission was granted and strict action would be taken if confirmed. The Speaker urged members to maintain decorum and assured action upon a formal written complaint.

Rahul Gandhi accused Home Minister Amit Shah of appearing nervous and using foul language during his Lok Sabha speech on electoral reforms. Gandhi challenged Shah to a debate on his press conference allegations, but Shah stated Parliament would not function according to Gandhi's wishes.

Speeding remains the primary killer on Indian roads, causing nearly 70% of the 1.24 lakh road deaths in 2024. Non-usage of helmets and seatbelts also contributed significantly to fatalities. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh reported alarmingly high numbers of speed-related deaths, highlighting a persistent challenge in road safety.

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reported significant investor interest from Japan and South Korea following a 10-day visit. Discussions focused on industrial progress, clean energy, electric vehicles, and skill development, aiming to boost employment. Several major companies expressed openness to exploring investment and collaboration opportunities in Punjab, setting the stage for future growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. Modi lauded Mukherjee as a owering statesman and a scholar of exceptional depth, highlighting his dedication and intellectual contributions to Indian democracy. Shah emphasized Mukherjee's profound constitutional understanding, stating his life and work will continue to inspire the nation's democratic path.

A carpooling photo of Prime Minister Modi and President Putin became a talking point in the US Congress, highlighting concerns over the Trump administration's India policy. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized past actions, stating that coercive partnerships damage crucial alliances. She emphasized the urgent need to mend the US-India partnership for mutual prosperity and global leadership.

In a significant move, the DGCA has formed an eight-member team to daily monitor IndiGo's operations, including flights and crew availability, following widespread cancellations. Two officials will track cancellations, refunds, and compensation, while two pilots will be stationed at the airline's Gurgaon office. This comes as IndiGo scrapped 25% of its domestic flights from December 1-9, causing airport chaos.