National News

The elephant incursions have emerged as a pressing problem in Bangarupalayam, with farmers demanding prompt and effective solutions

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has raised concerns about the sudden increase of one crore voters between the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections. He criticized the Election Commission for not providing voters' lists and accused BJP and RSS of misusing state institutions to undermine a fair electoral process.

Rahul Gandhi called RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark that true independence came with the Ayodhya temple inauguration as 'treason,' challenging the Constitution and freedom struggle's significance. Gandhi accused BJP-RSS of capturing institutions and undermining India's historical struggle. Congress president Kharge condemned Bhagwat's statement, asserting RSS-BJP's lack of participation in the freedom struggle and their overemphasis on the Ayodhya temple.

Measures have been initiated to provide NTR Bharosa pensions to 137 eligible beneficiaries in the village from next month, says Chandrababu Naidu

BJP leaders, including president J P Nadda, strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's remark about fighting the BJP, RSS, and the Indian state. They accused him of aligning with subversive forces and claimed his statement confirmed Congress's alleged ties with 'urban Naxals'. Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Dharmendra Pradhan also condemned his comments, arguing they reflect a dangerous and divisive mindset.

Indian space-tech startups Pixxel, Digantara, and XDLINX Space Labs successfully launch satellites to monitor earth and space objects aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission. Pixxel's Firefly constellation achieves India's first private satellite constellation with high-resolution imaging. Digantara enhances space safety, and XDLINX introduces E-band communication technology.

The United States and Qatar have facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending a 15-month conflict. The deal includes a hostage exchange and aims for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal, and the reconstruction of Gaza. US President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former President Barack Obama have all expressed their support for the agreement.

In an effort to maintain cleanliness and safeguard the welfare of its temple elephant, the centuries-old Virupaksha Temple in Hampi has banned bananas on its premises. Increased tourist activity, which includes feeding bananas to the temple's elephant, Laxmi, has led to leftover bananas and plastic bags littering the area. The ban aims to ensure the sacred site remains clean and to protect Laxmi from distress.

In 2024, India experienced over 3,200 deaths due to extreme weather events. Notably, lightning and thunderstorms claimed 1,374 lives, floods and heavy rains caused 1,287 fatalities, and heat waves led to 459 deaths. The year was the hottest on record, with significant temperature increases across various regions. Additionally, several cities reported new temperature and rainfall records, highlighting the impact of climate change.

The Supreme Court reprimanded the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for making submissions contrary to the law regarding bail for certain categories under the PMLA, like minors or sick persons. The court emphasized it will not tolerate such conduct and ordered the release of accused Shashi Balaha on bail.

Meta officials have issued an unconditional apology to the Indian government following remarks made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the 2024 general election. The apology emphasized India's importance to the company. Parliamentary committee head Nishikant Dubey accepted the apology, saying the committee would not pursue the matter further. Zuckerberg's comments suggested India's government lost the election due to its Covid-19 response.

The government has dedicated 1.5 acres at Rashtriya Smriti complex in New Delhi for a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, adjacent to the site designated for former President Pranab Mukherjee's memorial. Singh's family has been requested to establish a trust to proceed with formalities, and they are yet to decide on the type of memorial.

A 2023-formed high-powered panel urges legal action against an individual, ostensibly Vikash Yadav, for his alleged role in the failed assassination plot of US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Despite Yadav's US conspiracy charges, the committee recommends systems improvements and coordination to address such security threats.

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and Election Commission after Congress's Jairam Ramesh challenged an amendment curtailing public access to election records, including CCTV footage. Ramesh argues this restricts the public's right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution and threatens election transparency. The court has scheduled a hearing for next March.

The three entities are Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and the Indian Rare Earths (IRE), according to the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

The Supreme Court sought expert opinions from AIIMS Delhi on Jagjit Singh Dallewal's medical condition after 50 days of fasting. The Punjab Chief Secretary was directed to provide all medical reports. The court was surprised at claims of stable health parameters. The court plans a comprehensive order post-expert panel report and ongoing talks with protesting farmers, showing potential resolution.

SC asks Kerala not to circulate or publish data collected on population, assets, churches of the two denominations

The charm of the impending bypoll was lost on the day that the AIADMK announced its decision to boycott. It is surprising, given the AIADMK’s organisational strength in the western region, known as the Kongu belt.

India's long-term skilling mission is showing results, with the country ranked 27th in QS World Future Skills Index, and second in Future of Work. India excels in AI, digital, and green skills adoption, while recommendations include enhancing higher education, industry-academia collaboration, and focusing on emerging technologies for sustained growth.

Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the expansion of the 'Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Program' to seven more airports on Thursday. Now, pre-verified flyers at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad can use automated e-gates for faster biometric-based immigration, following its successful implementation at Indira Gandhi International Airport.