Statement issued by Union ministry of new and renewable energy

In a recent statement, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reassured stakeholders that it has not ceased funding for renewable energy projects. Instead, it provided lenders with crucial data on domestic solar manufacturing capacity. This initiative is designed to empower smarter investment choices throughout the solar industry.

A crucial parliamentary panel has raised alarming issues regarding the handling of the National Testing Agency's (NTA) exams in 2024, highlighting repeated delays, incidents of paper leaks, and various mistakes. The committee has advocated for a shift back to traditional pen-and-paper assessments, similar to those used by CBSE and UPSC.

A Kupwara court has denied bail to eight policemen, including a deputy SP, accused of torturing a constable for six days in February 2023. The constable's wife alleged brutal torture, including the insertion of an iron rod into his rectum. The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to register a case following the wife's plea.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has granted the administration and the Centre three months to respond to petitions challenging a ban on 25 Kashmir-related books. The ban, imposed by the home department, claims the books promote a "false narrative" and "secessionism." A three-judge bench will hear the petitions, which argue the ban violates free speech guarantees.

A Chinese national was questioned for visa violations after travelling to J&K and Ladakh without permission. Meanwhile, authorities discovered multiple foreign nationals staying in Kashmir without mandatory reporting, leading to FIRs against several hotels and houseboats for non-compliance with Form-C submission norms.

Following recent bus fires, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has ordered government-approved agencies to inspect all sleeper coach buses for safety norm compliance. This directive comes after reports of widespread non-compliance with the new Bus Body Code, leading to calls for action against errant builders and officials.

India’s Su-30MKI fleet is set for a major boost with the 300-km-range R-37M, which is aimed at neutralising high-value Pakistani assets.

A renewed national clash over Vande Mataram intensifies as political, religious, and historical tensions rise, amplified by Bengal’s “New Babri” controversy and polarising events deepening communal and ideological divides nationwide.

A massive forest fire erupted along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch districts on Sunday, with dense smoke billowing up. The blaze, likely originating from across the border, is spreading rapidly due to dry conditions and has triggered multiple landmine blasts in forward areas without any reported injuries.

A devastating fire at Goa’s Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub killed 25 people, while owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra reportedly fled to Phuket within hours of the incident. Police have launched a nationwide and international hunt, arrested four managers, and suspect a cylinder blast as the cause.

Kashmir’s December air quality worsens due to temperature inversion, biomass burning, dry weather, and valley geography, causing dangerous PM levels, severe health risks, rising respiratory cases, and prompting doctors’ urgent advisories.

On the other side, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son and Congress' MLC Yatindra Siddaramaiah has once again asserted that his father will finish his full term.

A special parliamentary discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram became a platform for political sparring ahead of the Bengal assembly elections. While the ruling party highlighted the song's legacy and attacked the Congress, the opposition accused the BJP of using the debate for poll prospects.

A special parliamentary discussion on 150 years of Vande Mataram became a platform for political sparring ahead of the Bengal assembly elections. While the ruling party highlighted the song's legacy and attacked the Congress, the opposition accused the BJP of using the debate for poll prospects.

Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate on the national song 'Vande Mataram' on its 150th anniversary. The BJP accused the Congress of disrespecting the song and appeasing the Muslim League, while the opposition alleged the ruling party was politicizing it for electoral gain and distracting from key issues.

Vande Mataram was shortened to its first two stanzas to promote national unity and address communal sensitivities. The full version remains preserved in literature, while the adopted version continues as India’s National Song.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari underlined the importance of ownership and commitment in delivering quality infrastructure. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed renewed vigor after meeting Bihar's NDA MPs, celebrating their "historic victory" in the recent assembly elections. He emphasized the "double-engine government's" commitment to improving the lives of Bihar's citizens. The NDA's decisive win, securing 202 out of 243 seats, underscores their mandate to fulfill public expectations.

North Goa nightclub owners, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, fled to Phuket hours after a fire killed 25 people. Police confirmed their departure and issued a Look Out Circular, seeking Interpol's help.Four staff members have been arrested as a magisterial inquiry into procedural lapses is underway.

IndiGo has responded to the DGCA's show-cause notice regarding recent operational disruptions, citing a "compounding effect of multiple factors" including technical glitches, weather, and new crew rostering rules. The airline expressed apologies for passenger inconvenience and is requesting more time for a full Root Cause Analysis, while services began normalizing after a network reboot on December 5th.

Vande Mataram was shortened to its first two stanzas to promote national unity and address communal sensitivities, rather than to specifically appease Muslims. The full version, with its Hindu references, remains preserved in literature, while the adopted version continues as India’s National Song.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised Pakistan’s political turmoil, saying “democracy and Pakistan don’t go together,” while India condemned civilian casualties in recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes. Former PM Imran Khan remains jailed amid rising tensions and confrontations with the Pakistan Army.

Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya championed the new Labour Codes in Lok Sabha, highlighting their significant benefits for women workers, especially in Assam's tea gardens. He emphasized provisions for equal wages, enhanced maternity benefits including crèche facilities, and improved health and safety measures.Mandaviya asserted these reforms strengthen women's dignity and rights across all sectors.

India and Australia have strengthened their education and skills ties, with the University of New South Wales receiving approval to establish a campus in India. The nations also launched 10 joint research projects and agreed to align early childhood education curricula, fostering deeper academic and sports cooperation.

The ministry of external affairs on Monday welcomed the UK government's decision to impose sanctions on pro-Khalistan extremist networks linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa, calling it a significant step in strengthening global efforts against terrorism and illicit financial flows.

The Army Service Corps celebrated its 265th Corps Day in Bengaluru, honoring its rich history of supporting Indian military campaigns.The event included wreath-laying ceremonies and tributes to fallen soldiers and animal transport units.The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to evolving logistics, embracing new technologies, and maintaining its motto of service.

Kejriwal is on a three-day visit to Gujarat and addressed the media during a press conference in Rajkot, where he also met families of farmers who were recently detained.

India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that "democracy and Pakistan don't go together" while monitoring developments. He also highlighted strong India-US counter-terrorism cooperation, with both nations pushing for tougher UN actions against Pakistan-based terror groups like LeT and JeM.

In today's Lok Sabha, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi accused the BJP of using the issue for political gain ahead of the West Bengal elections. She also alleged that the government does not want discussion of the current challenge

In a significant policy move, the Gujarat government raised the retirement age for Home Guards to 58, highlighting their essential role in maintaining public safety.