National News

The Supreme Court is set to decide on the legitimacy of the 2023 law altering the selection panel for chief election commissioner (CEC) and ECs, contrasting Parliament's legislative power with SC’s authority. The court's previous order outlined a panel including the PM, LoP, and CJI, but Parliament replaced the CJI with a Union minister, raising concerns about EC independence.

The Maldives ensured it will not compromise India’s security amid concerns regarding Chinese vessels, while agreeing to extend the lease of Indian helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. Defence cooperation between the countries accelerated, including the handover of defence equipment and the continuation of the MNDF 'Ekatha Harbour' project.

A school peon in Pune was arrested after being caught filming girl students in a changing room. The suspect's cellphone, used for recording, was confiscated. The school's authorities, who promptly informed police and parents, have since fired the peon. The investigation is ongoing to determine if similar incidents occurred before.

Around 9 lakh quintals of foodgrains have rotted in government warehouses in Madhya Pradesh, leading to an estimated loss of Rs 200 crore. The foodgrains, primarily wheat, were unfit even for cattle feed. Measures are being taken to prevent recurrence, including new insurance policies and stricter inspections.

Large firms prepared to comply quickly while two years will be given for implementation, says Minister; he says the final notification of the Rules will have only minor tweaks from the draft

Shahi Snan, Naga Sadhus, spirituality and a logistical feat of vast proportions mark every instance of the once-in-twelve-year religious congregation

PM Modi is set to open the 6.5-km Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, enhancing all-weather connectivity to Sonmarg in Kashmir. The railways successfully tested a train on the Katra-Banihal section, linking Katra and Srinagar. A specially designed Vande Bharat train will soon operate with anti-freezing features, further boosting transport infrastructure in the region.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, discussing India's readiness to support Afghan development needs and receiving assurance on security concerns. The meeting, amid strained Afghan-Pakistani relations, focused on humanitarian aid, health sector support, and strengthening diplomatic and trade ties, including using Chabahar port for humanitarian purposes.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has donated 268,000 shares worth nearly $112 million to undisclosed charities as part of his year-end tax planning. This is not his first such donation; in 2022 and 2021, Musk also gifted significant Tesla shares to charitable causes. Musk holds approximately 13% of Tesla's total shares.

Centre has shifted Arunish Chawla, the recently appointed Revenue Secretary, to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management