Times of India

In Manipur, two migrant laborers from Bihar were shot dead by unidentified gunmen, marking the second such attack since last year's ethnic violence. Separately, an 18-year-old militant was killed in a police encounter in Thoubal district. Seven militants were apprehended, and a cache of weapons, suspected to be looted during the unrest, was recovered.

Bihar's former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav announced the 'Mai Bahan Maan Yojana,' promising 2,500 rupees monthly to underprivileged women if RJD wins the upcoming assembly polls. This pledge mirrors similar schemes in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, aiming to alleviate women's hardships and garner support ahead of elections. Yadav urged women to back him, emphasizing their shared struggles.

India's National Lok Adalat settled a record 1.45 crore cases on Saturday, including 1.22 crore pre-litigation cases, preventing them from adding to the existing 4.65 crore backlog. The Lok Adalats, aiming to 'Resolve Disputes, Restore Harmony,' involved all states except Rajasthan, where they will be held later this month.

The National Medical Register portal, launched three and a half months ago, has seen a slow registration process. Less than 6,500 doctors have registered, with only 284 approvals. At this rate, registering all 12 lakh doctors in India could take 40 years.

During a Lok Sabha session, BJP MP Anurag Thakur criticized Rahul Gandhi's understanding of the Constitution, referencing legal expert Gopal Shankar Narayan's praise for its creators. Thakur alleged the Congress party, under Gandhi's family, suppressed rights and was responsible for the Sikh massacre, demanding an apology.

TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu voiced concerns in Lok Sabha about the next delimitation based on population. He argued that southern states could lose political representation while northern states gain, impacting federalism.

Around 400 IndiGo passengers were stranded at Istanbul Airport after a wet-leased Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 malfunctioned, causing flight cancellation. This marks the second such incident with IndiGo's wet-leased Turkish Airlines wide-body planes this month. Two smaller aircraft were dispatched from Delhi to transport the stranded passengers home, while the Indian government awaits IndiGo's report to consider further action.

Central Railway halted the demolition of five unauthorized temples outside Dadar station after facing opposition from Shiv Sena UBT and BJP. Both parties engaged in a political tussle over the issue, each claiming credit for the stay. Sena UBT accused BJP of using Hindutva for political gains, while BJP criticized Sena UBT's 'maha-aarti' as mere politics.

In Parliament, Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of hypocrisy, citing Savarkar's preference for Manusmriti over the Constitution. He argued that the BJP's actions, like favoring certain businesses and neglecting marginalized groups, contradict constitutional values and resemble the oppressive principles of Manusmriti.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is visiting Indonesia from December 15-18 to bolster bilateral defense relations. He will discuss maritime security, joint training, and operational collaboration with Indonesian defense officials. This visit aims to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst growing concerns about China's expansionist activities.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has returned properties worth Rs 4,025 crore to JSW Steel, the successful bidder for the bankrupt Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL). The assets were originally seized by the ED during a money laundering investigation that revealed BPSL's former promoters had defrauded banks of Rs 47,204 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Nehru-Gandhi family, accusing them of repeatedly violating the Constitution. He asserted that his government's decisions over the past decade aimed to strengthen India's unity, aligning with the Constitution's vision. Modi defended policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act and the revocation of Article 370, while advocating for a Uniform Civil Code.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath supported the Uniform Civil Code, citing a statement by Allahabad HC judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav, emphasizing the global respect for majority sentiments. Adityanath criticized the opposition for opposing the code, advocating for an end to majority-minority distinctions.

Tigress Zeenat, relocated from Maharashtra to Odisha's Similipal Tiger Reserve last month, is nearing her return after an extraordinary 100km journey into Jharkhand. Forest officers are tracking her movement as she ventures back towards Odisha, just 15km from the border, displaying strong survival instincts.

Telugu actor Allu Arjun was released from Hyderabad's Chanchalguda prison Saturday morning after a night in jail, following his arrest in connection with a deadly stampede at his film's premiere. Despite receiving interim bail Friday night, jail procedures delayed his release. The stampede at the Pushpa 2 premiere resulted in one death and several injuries, sparking public outrage.

Police arrested the ninth suspect, Krishna Barman, in connection with a gang rape in Guwahati last month. Barman was apprehended in Dhubri district after his location was tracked. The rape occurred on November 17 during the Raas festival, and a video of the assault was later circulated.

Karnataka's Congress government has launched a probe into an alleged Rs 167 crore Covid-19 procurement scam. An FIR targets government officials, representatives, and private companies for misappropriating funds allocated for PPE kits and medical supplies between September 2020 and June 2021. A key contract awarded to Laj Exports for 2.

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu rejected former CM Jagan Reddy's claim of "one nation, one election" (ONOE) in 2027. Naidu stated that simultaneous polls are unlikely before 2029 due to delimitation and census requirements, while clarifying that TDP supports ONOE. He dismissed Reddy's call for party workers to prepare for 2027 polls, attributing it to YSRCP's anticipated defeat.

The Indian government is introducing bills for 'one nation, one election,' aiming to synchronize Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. The proposed change aims to reduce election expenses and disruptions caused by the Model Code of Conduct, reverting to a system prevalent until 1967. Consequential amendments are also proposed for Union Territories.

Jatin Kumar, son of a retired havildar, achieved his lifelong dream by winning the Sword of Honour and President's Silver Medal at IMA's Autumn Passing Out Parade. Despite facing previous rejections, Kumar's perseverance, fueled by family support, led to this triumph. Fellow graduate, Mayank Dhyani, also celebrated his bronze medal, attributing his success to his family and determination.