Vande Mataram debate: Priyanka, Gogoi likely to lead Congress charge; PM Modi to speak in Lok Sabha

Congress has unveiled its lineup of speakers for the upcoming Lok Sabha debate on Vande Mataram, marking the national song's 150th anniversary. Leaders like Gaurav Gogoi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will represent the party. The discussion aims to revive the song's revolutionary spirit, with Prime Minister Modi set to initiate the proceedings.

A 56-year-old driver, jailed for eight years, has been acquitted of sexual assault charges. The Pocso court found the prosecution failed to prove the victim's age and intellectual capacity, citing major inconsistencies.Defense argued false implication due to a prior dispute. The judge highlighted scanty evidence, granting the accused the benefit of doubt.

In a recent statement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that Sheikh Hasina's visit to India is a personal decision shaped by last year's developments. He underscored India's unwavering support for Bangladesh, reiterating the importance of democratic values. Jaishankar also defended India's sovereignty in foreign relations, stressing that no nation has the authority to dictate its alliances with others.

The government has imposed a Rs 18,000 domestic airfare cap and ordered IndiGo to restore full operations within two days, citing exorbitant fares and mass cancellations.Aviation authorities invoked powers to ensure fair pricing and mandated refunds, aiming to protect passengers from opportunistic charges amidst a significant operational disruption.

A devastating fire at a Goa club claimed 23 lives early Sunday, with victims succumbing to burns and suffocation. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant vowed a stringent inquiry into the Arpora incident, promising severe action against those responsible. Police have recovered all bodies and are investigating the cause, while officials stress the urgent need for safety audits across all Goa establishments.

The University of Western Australia is establishing two Indian campuses in Chennai and Mumbai, aiming to launch its first academic program from Chennai by August 2026. These campuses will operate as a single UWA entity, awarding Australian degrees. Chennai will initially focus on technology, while Mumbai will be business-oriented, with undergraduate programs leading to postgraduate offerings.

At a project unveiling in Dombivli, Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan stood alongside Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, signaling a possible reconciliation amidst rising tensions between the BJP and Shiv Sena regarding political maneuvering and activist recruitment, especially with local elections approaching. Chavan noted the enhanced collaboration within the ruling coalition.

Jesuit priest Fr Richard D’Souza, a galactic archaeologist at the Vatican Observatory, studies galactic cannibalism. His 2018 research in Nature Astronomy revealed the Andromeda galaxy's major merger occurred two billion years ago. D’Souza, who balances cosmic research with faith, now directs the historic observatory, reminding the Church of science and faith's synergy.

Recent findings indicate that neighborhoods adjacent to Indian mining operations are experiencing significant lung health issues and exposure to heavy metals, reflecting the dangers faced by workers. Research highlights concerning levels of abnormal lung function and signs of fibrosis, even among children, underscoring the severe impact of dust pollution.

Allahabad High Court has halted the demolition of 27 homes in Bareilly's Shahabad area, emphasizing due process. Residents, who had been paying taxes for years, received notices declaring their homes illegal. The court directed the civic body to issue a reasoned order after a personal hearing, preventing any coercive action until then.

A political spat has erupted over age relaxation for Jammu and Kashmir's civil services exam. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of delaying a crucial file, while the LG's office countered that misleading claims are circulating. Aspirants face uncertainty as the December 7 exam approaches, with student protests demanding an age limit increase.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India is experiencing a "psychological renaissance," shedding a colonial mindset that once labeled its slow growth the "Hindu rate of growth." He asserted the nation is now a global economic driver, lauded for its rapid development amidst a worldwide slowdown. This transformation, he emphasized, signifies a profound shift in national confidence and global standing.

Government discussions are under way for mandatory satellite-assisted mobile phone tracking for law enforcement and disaster management. The proposal, stalled for five years due to privacy concerns and device maker reluctance, aims for more accurate location data than current tower-based methods. Manufacturers like Apple and Samsung are wary of potential misuse and insist on user consent for such pinpoint tracking.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced comprehensive reforms for Customs, aiming for greater transparency and simplified compliance.Following successful Income Tax Act overhauls, the government plans to introduce technology for faster goods clearance and reduce discretionary powers.Customs duties will also be reviewed and lowered where necessary, marking this as the next significant reform initiative.

A landmark Supreme Court ruling grants divorced Muslim women the right to reclaim wedding gifts from their parents.Rousanara Begum's two-decade legal battle culminated in this victory, affirming women's dignity and property rights.This precedent-setting judgment clarifies that gifts given to a bride belong to her, offering hope to many across India.

As Bengal gears up for the finalization of its electoral roll, the digitization process has covered nearly all of the 7.6 crore voters. However, a significant number—approximately 28-30 lakh—need to attend hearings to clarify data inconsistencies and stay on the rolls. Furthermore, over 54 lakh voters are being eliminated due to reasons such as inaccessibility, death, or duplication.

A controversial foundation ceremony for a mosque, described as "Babri Masjid-styled," in Murshidabad on the anniversary of the 1992 demolition sparked political and communal tensions. Thousands attended the event organized by a suspended MLA, who declared it "emotional restitution." Political parties reacted sharply, with the TMC distancing itself and the BJP accusing it of vote bank politics.

A political spat erupted over the Karthigai Deepam lighting in Tirupparankundram, with DMK accusing BJP of inciting communal unrest. BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran defended the move, stating there was no harm in the area resembling Ayodhya and dismissing fears of riots.

Tezpur University students blocked Union higher education secretary Vineet Joshi's convoy after a meeting on allegations against the "absconding" vice chancellor ended without action. Protests, now in their 79th day, demand the VC's resignation amid concerns over financial irregularities and questionable appointments. The ministry is examining the allegations and will report to the President.

Biocon has announced a bold step in the biopharmaceutical landscape by merging its biosimilars division, Biocon Biologics, into the parent organization for $5.5 billion. This ambitious strategy is designed to streamline operations and amplify its influence across global markets, especially in diabetes care, cancer treatment, and immune therapies.

Quad nations have strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border acts, and offered condolences for the Red Fort incident. Despite Quad summit delays, the group remains active, recently holding counterterrorism workshops and a tabletop exercise. Members emphasized information sharing and cooperation to keep the Indo-Pacific free from terror threats, with India and the US pushing for UN sanctions on terror groups.

Nearly ₹190 crore belonging to around five lakh citizens has been lying unclaimed in banks for years, prompting the government to launch a major recovery initiative. The new UDGAM portal allows people to trace forgotten deposits across all banks and reclaim their money easily.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) described the episode as one of the most serious disruptions faced by the sector in recent years and said the crisis had caused “severe inconvenience, hardship and distress” to travellers nationwide.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has received a show cause notice from aviation watchdog DGCA for mass flight disruptions since December 2. The notice cites alleged operational lapses and inadequate passenger support, demanding a response within 24 hours. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the issue and recommend preventive measures.

IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has received a show cause notice from aviation watchdog DGCA for mass flight disruptions since December 2. The notice cites alleged operational lapses and inadequate passenger support, demanding a response within 24 hours. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the issue and recommend preventive measures.

A new study reveals nearly 90% of Indian couples undergoing IVF face catastrophic expenditure, even in public hospitals, with costs averaging Rs 1.1 lakh. Over half borrow money, and only 5% have limited insurance, highlighting a significant financial crisis driven by infertility treatments.

Delhi's air pollution nearly doubled in November, making it India's fourth most polluted city. Despite reduced stubble burning, PM2.5 levels soared, with 23 'very poor' and six 'severe' days. Nine of the ten most polluted cities are in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, highlighting the need for sector-specific emission cuts.

IndiGo has restored 95% of its network connectivity, operating to 135 out of 138 destinations, signalling early recovery after days of flight disruptions. The airline is prioritising passenger refunds and delayed baggage while working to stabilise operations and rebuild customer trust.

The Trump administration has significantly reduced the validity of work permits for immigrants, including those awaiting green cards, from five years to 18 months. USCIS cites security concerns and the need for more frequent vetting to deter fraud and identify threats.

Meenakshi Singh's new coffee table book, 'Expressions of Divinity Maha Kumbh 2025,' published by Bloomsbury India, was launched at India Habitat Centre. The book explores sacred sites and the spiritual experience of millions at the Sangam, portraying divinity through human courage, humility, and strength. Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath praised it as a significant cultural document.