A speedboat, identified as an Indian Navy craft, lost control during engine trials off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, colliding with a passenger ferry and causing it to capsize. The incident resulted in 13 fatalities, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel. The Navy confirmed that an engine malfunction caused the loss of control, and a large-scale rescue operation was launched, with 101 survivors rescued so far. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the victims' families, and search efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons.
Surendra Singh, a BJP leader from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has launched an indefinite sit-in protest against the demolition of the party’s camp office by the municipal corporation. The office, located in Indira Market, was demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive by the local authorities. Singh, who has been running the office for over 40 years, condemned the demolition, accusing the district administration of acting under the influence of the Samajwadi Party. He submitted a petition to the District Magistrate, notifying them of his protest. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate confirmed that the demolition was part of a routine exercise.
A joint parliamentary committee (JPC) has been formed to study the "One Nation One Election" bills, introduced in Parliament on Tuesday. The committee, led by BJP's PP Chaudhary, includes 21 Lok Sabha MPs, such as Congress's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, NCP's Supriya Sule, and Union Minister Anurag Thakur, as well as 10 Rajya Sabha members. The JPC will review the proposed amendments and consult stakeholders over the next 90 days, with a report expected in the next session's final week. While the BJP defends the bill as a cost-saving measure, opposition parties argue it could centralize power and diminish states' autonomy.
BJP leader Amit Shah responded to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for his resignation, stating that it would not change the Congress's electoral fate. Shah dismissed the demand, saying, "My resignation will not change his problems because he will have to sit in the opposition for the next 15 years." This comes after Shah’s controversial remarks about Dalit icon Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha, which led to Kharge demanding his resignation. Shah defended his position, accusing Congress of distorting his words and claiming the party was against Ambedkar's ideals and the Constitution. He also criticized Congress for not awarding Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna until 1990, pointing to the BJP's role in honoring him.
A Delhi court has granted seven days' interim bail to Umar Khalid, the former JNU student activist, to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid, who has been in custody since September 2020 on charges related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, had his most recent bail plea rejected by the Delhi High Court earlier this month. His legal team argued that Khalid was not involved in the riots and was not present in Northeast Delhi during the violence. The court’s decision allows him temporary relief under strict conditions.
Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR has celebrated 25 years in India, a remarkable milestone since its launch in 1999. With over 3.2 million units sold, the WagonR remains one of the brand’s most successful models. Known for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel-efficient engine, the WagonR continues to be a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition from SUVs and concerns over safety ratings, the WagonR’s enduring strengths—its practicality, frugality, and strong resale value—ensure its continued success in the Indian market.
"Girls Will Be Girls marks a striking debut from director Shuchi Talati. The film, a complex mother-daughter coming-of-age story, explores the delicate balance of sexual awakening and family dynamics. Sixteen-year-old Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), the first female head prefect at her strict boarding school, finds her carefully composed world shaken with the arrival of Sri, a charming new student. As Mira's quiet interest in Sri clashes with her mother's watchful presence, a subtle yet intense emotional battle ensues. Talati handles this delicate shift in tone with sensitivity, capturing the unspoken tension between mother and daughter through powerful silences and fleeting glances. The performances from Panigrahi and Kani Kusruti are exceptional, breathing life into the film’s nuanced exploration of adolescence, identity, and the complexities of growing up."*
Two Indian Army soldiers, Ashutosh Mishra and Jitendra, tragically died in an explosion at Bikaner's Mahajan Field Firing Range while loading ammunition into a tank during a training exercise. A third soldier was seriously injured and airlifted to Chandigarh. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a mistake during the loading process, occurred during a routine exercise. This incident follows another fatality at the range on December 15, where Havildar Chandra Prakash Patel lost his life during an artillery deployment exercise. Both incidents are under investigation.
R. Ashwin announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket on December 18, 2024, ending his illustrious career midway through India’s ongoing Australia tour. The off-spinner made the announcement during a press conference at the Gabba in Brisbane, confirming that his final day as an Indian cricketer had arrived. Reflecting on his career, Ashwin expressed his gratitude to the BCCI, his teammates, and the Australian cricket team, while stating his intention to continue playing at the club level. With 537 wickets in 106 Tests, Ashwin leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest spinners in cricket history.
Over 67% of sewer and septic tank workers in India belong to the Scheduled Caste category, according to official data. Under the NAMASTE scheme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, over 54,500 workers have been profiled, with a significant number coming from marginalized communities. The scheme aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of sanitation workers by providing protective gear, health insurance, and financial support for sanitation projects. Additionally, efforts to mechanize sanitation work and reduce hazardous manual cleaning are being prioritized, with significant investments in desludging vehicles and awareness programs.
The Union government is considering shifting the NEET-UG exam, currently held in offline mode, to an online format. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed that discussions with the Health Ministry are ongoing, and a decision will be made soon. The change, if implemented, will take effect in 2025. Additionally, Pradhan announced that NCERT textbook prices for certain classes will be reduced from the next academic year, with the printing capacity of textbooks set to increase significantly. New curriculum-based textbooks for classes 9 to 12 will also be available by the 2026-27 academic session.
A new variant of Lenacapavir, a drug used to treat multi-resistant HIV, could be available in the world’s poorest countries by late 2025 or early 2026. The new formulation offers a year-long active potency and has shown promise in preventing HIV. Gilead Sciences is seeking approval for global distribution from the FDA and WHO. To make the drug affordable, the Global Fund is partnering with PEPFAR and foundations to ensure access in low-income countries. Gilead has also signed agreements with generic manufacturers to produce cheaper versions for 120 countries, though some, especially in Latin America, are excluded.
