AAP’s Mahesh Kumar Khichi Elected as New Delhi Mayor
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Mahesh Kumar Khichi was elected Delhi’s new mayor after a tight race against BJP's Kishan Lal. Khichi, a councillor from Karol Bagh's Dev Nagar ward, secured 135 votes, narrowly defeating Lal, who garnered 130 votes. The election, which had been delayed for some time, saw some cross-voting within AAP ranks, with 10 councillors voting for the BJP. Khichi succeeds Shelly Oberoi, who held the mayoral position in 2023.
Rajasthan bypoll: Independent Candidate Naresh Meena Arrested After Assaulting SDM
Naresh Meena, an Independent MLA candidate in Rajasthan's Tonk district, was arrested after allegedly slapping Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Chaudhary during a bypoll. The incident occurred as Chaudhary was attempting to encourage voting, while Meena supported villagers protesting the inclusion of Samravta in the Deoli sub-division. The altercation sparked violent protests, with vehicles torched and clashes between police and locals, leading to 60 arrests. Meena faces multiple charges, including obstructing public duties and damaging property.
Amit Shah On Article 370: “Even If Indira Gandhi Returns From Heaven…”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing a rally in Maharashtra ahead of the state’s assembly elections, reaffirmed that Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will not be restored. "Even if Indira Gandhi were to return from heaven, Article 370 won’t be restored," Shah stated, reiterating the BJP's position after the 2019 revocation. He also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of supporting reservations for Muslims at the expense of quotas for Dalits, tribals, and other backward castes. Shah further mocked Rahul Gandhi for using a "fake" copy of the Indian Constitution during political events, claiming it had blank pages. In a sharp remark aimed at Sonia Gandhi, he quipped that Rahul’s political career has failed multiple times, predicting another loss in the upcoming elections.
Trump selects Mike Waltz, China hawk, to be his national security adviser
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Representative Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, as his national security adviser. Waltz, a strong Trump supporter and hawkish on defense, will face numerous national security challenges, including managing military aid to Ukraine, addressing the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea, and dealing with Iran-backed militia threats. A three-term congressman from Florida and the first Green Beret elected to Congress, Waltz has been an outspoken critic of the U.S. military's focus on diversity and equity programs, calling for a return to military readiness and a focus on winning wars.
11 Kuki militants killed in Manipur’s Jiribam after attack on CRPF camp; two Jawans injured
At least 11 Kuki militants were killed on Monday in a clash with CRPF forces in Manipur's Jiribam district after the militants attacked a CRPF camp. The security forces retaliated, eliminating 10 militants and recovering several weapons. A CRPF jawan was critically injured in the attack. Earlier, Kuki militants had also targeted the Borobekra Police Station, sparking further violence. Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council called for a shutdown in the hill areas of the state on Tuesday. The ongoing violence has claimed over 200 lives and shows no signs of abating, with clashes continuing in various districts.
