General news

A nine-year-old boy, Ajay Raj Nishad, received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for his bravery after saving his father from a crocodile attack in the Chambal river. Armed with a stick, Ajay struck the predator's eye, forcing it to release his father. Inspired by the award ceremony, Ajay aspires to join the defence forces.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of its November 20 order on the Aravali hills, registering a new case to address concerns raised by environmentalists. The previous ruling defined Aravali hills for mining purposes as landforms with 100m elevation, a definition critics argue will lead to extensive mining and damage the range's integrity.

BJP alleges Congress is a mouthpiece for anti-India global forces, citing Sam Pitroda's confirmation of the party's membership in George Soros-linked Global Progressive Alliance.Rahul Gandhi's role in its presidium is highlighted, questioning his foreign visits and meetings with anti-India entities. BJP demands answers on Congress's priorities.

The CBI has urged the Supreme Court to overturn a Delhi High Court decision that excluded MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar from being prosecuted under the POCSO Act. Citing the L K Advani case, the CBI argued that lawmakers, as public servants, should face stricter penalties for offenses involving children, emphasizing their public trust and authority.

Himachal Pradesh government hospitals saw services halt Saturday as doctors struck indefinitely. They demand the reinstatement of a doctor sacked for assaulting a patient, arguing his side was ignored. While emergency care continues, non-urgent procedures are postponed, causing significant patient hardship. Officials are working towards a resolution.

A Congress Working Committee meeting saw a resolution blaming the government for Bangladesh's situation, but Shashi Tharoor suggested rephrasing, arguing the government could be accused of diplomatic failure, not direct blame for unrest. The line was subsequently dropped.

Rural development minister Shivraj Chouhan has accused the Congress of spreading misinformation about the VB-G RAM G law, alleging they previously cut MGNREGA's budget and froze wages. He stated the new act ensures transparency and tangible benefits for workers, countering claims of removing Mahatma Gandhi's ideals. Chouhan asserted the VB-G RAM G Act embodies Gandhian principles for rural development.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's praise for the RSS-BJP's organizational prowess, highlighting Modi's grassroots rise, sparked internal debate during a CWC meeting. Singh advocated for decentralization within Congress, criticizing its over-centralized structure. The BJP seized on his remarks to attack the Congress leadership, contrasting their approach with Modi's rise.

CWC chalks out campaign from January 5 to force restoration of scheme

The government noted that having more than 1,000 partner companies helped the helpline resolve complaints more effectively.

London witnessed a Hindu protest against the lynching of Dipu Das and persecution in Bangladesh, disrupted by Khalistani demonstrators. Over 500 Hindus demanded justice for Das and protection for minorities, highlighting centuries of oppression. The peaceful Hindu gathering was met with anti-India and anti-Hindu slogans from the counter-protestors, prompting police intervention.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq faced criticism for removing his Hurriyat chairman title from X, but received backing from Bilal Gani Lone. Lone defended the Mirwaiz, highlighting his personal sacrifices and courage. This support contrasts with criticism from Sajad Lone, who alleged a 'surrender' for security. The debate highlights internal divisions within Kashmiri leadership.

Tragedy struck on the Srinagar-Jammu highway as CBI prosecutor Sheikh Adil Nabi, 35, lost his life in a collision near Banihal. His car was struck from behind by a speeding Scorpio. Police have apprehended the Scorpio's driver, Mohammad Shafi, in connection with the incident.

Sajad Lone criticized Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's decision to remove his Hurriyat chairman title from X, calling it a "surrender for protocol and security." Lone accused the cleric of double standards, recalling past vilification. Mirwaiz cited UAPA bans and restricted communication as reasons for his "Hobson's choice." PDP and NC supported Mirwaiz, blaming authorities.

Protesters in Jammu demanded the cancellation of MBBS admissions at SMVDIME, citing that 42 out of 50 seats went to Muslim candidates. Activists, joined by BJP members and trade leaders, argued for Hindu-only reservations. The Sangharsh Samiti vows to continue the protest until their demands, linked to faith, are met.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns regarding the definition of the Aravali Range, which has sparked debate over mining and environmental protection. A three-judge bench will hear the matter, as environmentalists fear the current definition could weaken conservation efforts for the ancient mountain system.

A Kashmiri shawl seller suffered severe injuries, including fractures, after an alleged assault in Himachal Pradesh. The J&K Students Association condemned the incident, marking it as the 16th targeting Kashmiri traders in the state this year. They urged the Himachal CM for immediate action. A similar harassment case in Haryana is also being addressed.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the controversial definition of the Aravalli hills and other issues linked to it on Monday, December 29.

AQI in the national capital deteriorated sharply on Saturday evening, slipping into the “severe” category, with the overall AQI touching 390, according to the CPCB.

The Supreme Court will hear the CBI's appeal against the Delhi high court's decision to suspend former BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. This comes after the survivor alleged the investigating officer colluded with a judge to ensure Sengar's victory, days after his bail was granted.

An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck Assam's Udalguri district on Saturday evening, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

Citing the action against the gangsters, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from January 1 till December 17, the Punjab Police has arrested 916 gangsters, neutralized 13, busted 389 modules, recovered 594 weapons, along with 229 weapons.

The charges came as the Delhi High Court granted bail to expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar and suspended his life sentence.

Rajasthan’s Tourism Policy 2025 diversifies travel, boosts investment, preserves heritage, promotes lesser-known regions, improves infrastructure, and empowers youth, women, artisans, positioning the state as a globally competitive, inclusive, future-ready destination.

In a significant move towards enhancing law enforcement, chief minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh unveiled the innovative YAKSH app powered by AI, alongside inaugurating 'Police Manthan'—a two-day summit tailored for senior police officials. This pivotal event aims to redefine modern policing, addressing pressing issues such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and the complexities of social media.

The Unnao rape case victim levelled serious and explosive allegations against the investigating officer and the judge in the case, alleging that the investigating officer had wronged her. She claimed that he colluded with the judge to ensure that the other party won the case.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly refuted Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's "North Indian bulldozer justice" accusation regarding a Bengaluru eviction drive. Siddaramaiah termed Vijayan's remarks politically motivated and lacking factual understanding, emphasizing the lawful removal of illegal encroachments.

Shopian Police detained three OGWs under the PSA for repeated anti-security activities, citing continued involvement despite preventive action, and lodged them in Kot Bhalwal jail to maintain peace and security.

Fadnavis emphasised that seat-sharing discussions are progressing on a very positive note. His reassurance aims to signal unity within the ruling alliance amid speculation regarding potential friction over specific urban constituencies. 

The row broke out after the Karnataka government demolished over 200 houses in Bengaluru, leaving hundreds, mostly from the Muslim community, homeless.
 

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj highlighted incidents of violence and intimidation against Christmas celebrations nationwide, with Santa Claus reportedly filing an FIR against 'Right Wing goons'. Opposition parties criticized the BJP over alleged disruptions and attacks on Christian communities in states like Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh.

Unnao rape victim alleges the investigating officer colluded with the judge, aiming to break her spirit and halt her pursuit of justice. This accusation follows the Delhi High Court's decision to grant bail to convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar, suspending his life sentence.

The ongoing bear sightings have forced dozens of residents to remain indoors after dark.

Hindu outfits in Gurugram have protested a church construction, citing low Christian population and fears of religious conversion. A committee will meet officials to submit objections. This follows nationwide reports of vandalism and disruption during Christmas celebrations across several states, with allegations of intimidation and harassment against Christian groups.

During the search of the orchard area, one black bag was found under suspicious conditions. On opening the bag, six grenades, two containers (approx 20 kg each). According to the Army, it was TNT and Ammunition – approx 150-200 rounds were recovered. 

The storm began when Singh shared an old photograph from 1996 showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with veteran BJP leader LK Advani. 

CM Siddaramaiah announced that a nationwide “Save Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)” campaign will be launched from January 5.

The BJP has accused the Gandhi-Vadra family of open hatred towards Dalits, citing an incident where Jairam Ramesh allegedly directed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to read a note aloud. This comes as Congress announced nationwide protests against the alleged replacement of MGNREGA with the 'VB G Ram G Act', which they deem an insult to Mahatma Gandhi.

A six year old boy was allegedly strangled to death by his mother in Navi Mumbai, reportedly over his inability to speak Marathi.

The storm began when Singh shared an old photograph from 1996 showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi with veteran BJP leader LK Advani. 

CWC Meeting: Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Kharge expressed concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. 

The election process for the BJP's National President is reportedly expected to be completed between January 18 and January 20. This comes after Bihar Cabinet Minister Nitin Nabin was appointed as the party’s National Working President. 

India now has a national standard, IS 19445:2025, for testing bomb disposal systems, developed at the Home Ministry's request. This voluntary standard aims to ensure uniform testing, improve manufacturing quality, and boost confidence in equipment used by security forces against various explosive threats. It addresses local realities and draws from global practices.

The BJP has accused the Congress of colluding with "anti-India" forces, citing Rahul Gandhi's participation in the "Global Progressive Alliance" during his Germany visit. Citing Sam Pitroda, the BJP claims this alliance promotes "anti-India" narratives and is linked to George Soros, questioning the Congress's association with such global networks.

Rabindranath Tagore's patriotic song, 'Jana Gana Mana' was sung publicly for the first time at a 1911 Congress session. It ultimately evolved into becoming India's National Anthem. Initially met with controversy regarding its inspiration, Tagore clarified it honored a timeless guiding spirit, not a monarch. Adopted in 1950 as the national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana" became a unifying national voice.

A cab driver’s calm handling of an intoxicated woman, clear boundaries and coordination with her family earned widespread praise online.