National News

In the Kakinada Vaklapudi Industrial Area, residents of surrounding villages are facing severe distress due to the release of the foul odour from Universal Biofuels Pvt. Ltd

The Indian government is vigilantly monitoring the situation of Indian H-1B visa holders in the US amid backlash and profiling of IT and management professionals. This involves collaboration between the ministries of external affairs, commerce, and IT to ensure that legal Indian workers are not adversely impacted by evolving American visa policies under Donald Trump's administration.

Karnataka's Congress government has assigned the CID to investigate the suicide of contractor Sachin Panchala, who left a note alleging threats from an aide of minister Priyank Kharge. With the BJP demanding a CBI probe and Priyank's resignation, state home minister Parameshwara defended the CID's capability to handle the investigation.

The framing of charges in the SSC cash-for-jobs case in West Bengal was postponed as accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra fell ill and was hospitalized. Accused individuals, including ex-minister Partha Chatterjee, face money laundering charges. The proceedings will resume on January 2 once all accused are present.

Centre has assigned senior IPS officer Vitul Kumar to officiate as Director General of CRPF following the retirement of Anish Dayal Singh on Dec 31. Kumar, currently Special DG of CRPF, will serve until a regular appointment is made. Kumar's career highlights include multiple promotions, accolades, and leadership roles within the police force.

Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by June 2025. Important features include 85 murals, titanium lattices, and marble idols. Additional structures like ramparts and shoe racks are set to be finished by September 2025.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Army War College's quantum technology and AI labs, citing their role in adaptive warfare. He highlighted India's significant growth in defence exports and articulated the nation's goal to be an economic and military powerhouse by 2047 through strong security and economic integration.

RBI has asked the National Payments Corporation of India to develop a facility for the same

The government requires additional time to allocate land for former PM Manmohan Singh’s memorial as a trust needs to be formed first. Preliminary assessments are being conducted for available land near Rajghat, and a trust application is necessary for the process to proceed. The memorial will follow procedures similar to those for Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s memorial.

Karnataka high court has stayed proceedings against IIM Bangalore officials in a caste-discrimination case, citing that the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement lacked authority to investigate harassment claims. The case involves allegations by Dalit associate professor Gopal Das against IIM-B faculty. A separate FIR filed by Mico Layout police against the faculty members is also being challenged.

Andhra Pradesh deputy CM Pawan Kalyan praised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and criticized Allu Arjun's team for their handling of the 'Pushpa 2' stampede. A 35-year-old woman died, and her son was injured. Pawan Kalyan emphasized the film industry should have supported the victim's family and not blamed Arjun solely.

Protests intensify across Bihar demanding cancellation of BPSC prelims, alleging corruption. Demonstrators halt trains and block roads, with political parties and student groups joining in. Chief secretary meets aspirants, but no official statement yet from CM. Police action criticized by political leaders; support offered by various political figures. Protests continue with threats of indefinite hunger strike.

The loco pilot of the Secunderabad-Pune Express train narrowly avoided a disaster by spotting and stopping before hitting a 4kg LPG cylinder placed on the tracks at Uruli Kanchan. Authorities suspect the cylinder was intended to cause harm to the train and its passengers. Police and railway protection units are investigating the incident to find the responsible individuals.

A total of 1,000 police personnel to be deployed to ensure the safety of visitors expected to gather at Fort Kochi and nearby areas; over 400 CCTVs installed at Veli Ground

Temporary gallery for guests was set up without required approvals violating safety norms, says agency which owns the stadium

In their petition, a group of Indore-based doctors have sought an urgent hearing into the matter as they claim that the disposal and incineration of the toxic waste in Pithampur is harmful for the residents of Pithampur as well as those in Indore, which is about 35 km from the industrial town.

A debate about H-1B visas involving Indian immigrants divides Trump's supporters. While tech figures like Elon Musk support these visas, critics argue against them. Aravind Srinivas emphasizes that illegal immigration is the real concern and that H-1B visa holders aren't the ones causing job losses.