A leopard was sighted at Infosys' high-security campus in Mysuru, leading to a search by foresters and police. CCTV confirmed its presence near the hostel. Although not spotted during the day, combing operations will continue. Drones with thermal cameras are deployed to ensure the leopard doesn't enter nearby human habitats.
Reflecting on significant global events of 2024: a devastating tsunami hit Japan, the EU approved an AI regulation, Narendra Modi secured a third term, Donald Trump returned to the White House despite assassination attempts, Syrian rebels ended Bashar al-Assad's rule, and the UK saw Labour topple Conservatives.
A massive underwater landslide, found in the Krishna-Godavari basin between 950m and 1.1km below the ocean surface, poses a significant risk to underwater structures and coastal inhabitants. The landslide, caused by events like Cyclone Helen and earthquakes, moved around 11 cubic km of sediments, potentially triggering a tsunami.
The road transport ministry mandates road agencies to paint speed limits and vehicle logos on pavements every 10 km to guide drivers on expressways and highways. New guidelines coming into force in February 2025 also require larger signs at frequent intervals, highlighting speed limits, exit points, no parking areas, and lane information for safer driving.
Mani Shankar Aiyar reveals in his book how Dr. Manmohan Singh, after undergoing multiple coronary bypasses in 2012, never fully recovered, affecting his governance. Aiyar suggests that Pranab Mukherjee should have taken over as PM, with Singh elevated to President in 2012. Singh's key achievements include MGNREGA, RTI Act, and National Food Security Act.
Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance, including Amit Shah and Chandrababu Naidu, met in Delhi to counter Congress' criticism of Shah's Ambedkar remark. They emphasized good governance and people's welfare, reaffirmed unity in upcoming elections, and discussed Vajpayee's legacy and future strategies.
The Election Commission has refuted Congress's concerns over the voter turnout increase in Maharashtra by providing detailed clarifications. It explained that interim data might not reflect the final voter count, emphasized the statutory process, and addressed allegations regarding electoral roll additions and deletions.
Jammu and Kashmir's government is considering raising the monthly disability pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000, according to Health Minister Sakeena Itoo. Itoo interacted with people with disabilities while distributing assistive devices in Jammu, assuring continuous support to improve their quality of life. The increase aims to ease the financial strain on families.
Delhi's air quality plummeted to 'severe' on Sunday, with an AQI of 409, following Saturday's 'very poor' rating. The city experienced foggy conditions and fluctuating humidity. Temperatures reached a maximum of 24.1°C and a minimum of 7.3°C. Cloudy skies and light rain are forecast for Monday, with temperatures expected between 7°C and 20°C.
A car attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, left five dead and over 60 injured, including nearly seven Indian nationals. Three of the injured Indians have been discharged. A 50-year-old Saudi doctor is under investigation. Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with Germany and condemned the violence.
A fatal highway accident near Jaipur involving an LPG tanker and a truck highlighted the lack of cloverleaves at the NH48-Ring Road junction. Unfinished four years after the road's inauguration, these missing exits force dangerous U-turns at Bhankrota and Mahapura, causing frequent accidents. Land acquisition issues and contractor problems have delayed the cloverleaf construction until March 2026.
Two alleged drug traffickers, Jaswinder Singh and Jarnial Singh, were apprehended in Bishnah, Jammu, with 265 grams of a heroin-like substance, a pistol, and ammunition. Police intercepted their vehicle at a checkpoint acting on a tip-off. Both men have prior criminal records, with multiple FIRs lodged against them in various Jammu police stations. An investigation is underway.
Vijay Mallya, on his 69th birthday, criticized the Indian government for recovering over double his debt of ₹6,203 crores. He questioned the recovery of ₹14,131.6 crores and demanded relief. Mallya also denied criminal charges related to IDBI Bank loans, claiming full repayment. He found support from Lalit Modi, who wished him a happy birthday.
Oman halted new import permits for Indian table eggs, impacting Namakkal's poultry industry. This follows Qatar's recent weight restrictions, stranding a large egg shipment. Exports to Oman, previously accounting for 50% of India's egg exports, have drastically declined since June, causing hardship for Indian exporters.
A BBC documentary, "Children of the Bombs," exposes the devastating impact of crude bombs in West Bengal politics. Since 1996, at least 565 children have been killed or injured, often mistaking bombs for toys. The film features heartbreaking accounts from survivors like Puchi and Poulami, who lost limbs in explosions.
Several Maharashtra ministers, including deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, are under ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations for money laundering. These ministers, formerly in the opposition, joined the BJP alliance. Conversely, BJP's Girish Mahajan joined the cabinet after a CBI investigation cleared him of extortion and kidnapping charges, subsequently leading to charges against an IPS officer and others.
Actor Allu Arjun was granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court after being arrested and sent to judicial custody in connection with a stampede death at his film's premiere. He was released Saturday morning after spending a night in jail due to late arrival of the bail order.
An exhibition in Delhi showcases the contrasting artistic styles of father-son duo Bireswar and Sureshwar Sen. Bireswar, known for his miniature landscape paintings, captured the Himalayas' grandeur. Sureshwar embraced modernism with bold, dynamic works. The exhibition explores their divergent approaches and the generational leap in artistic expression.
Two suspected cattle smugglers died in a road accident in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district after their speeding vehicle crashed while attempting to evade a police checkpoint. A policeman was seriously injured after being struck by the smugglers' vehicle. One of the animals being transported was also killed in the crash.
A UNHCR team visited a Rohingya camp in Jammu amid political debate over providing utilities to their settlements. The BJP demands a probe into the settlement of these refugees, while CM Omar Abdullah insists on humane treatment, claiming the central government's responsibility for their presence.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pledged to reinstate the Darbar Move, emphasizing its symbolic significance for regional unity and equitable governance. He addressed concerns about regional bias, highlighting his inclusive approach and plans to boost Jammu's economy, particularly its tourism sector, by leveraging the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.
India's substantial investments in new coal-based steelmaking jeopardize its 2070 net-zero target. The country's large pipeline of emissions-intensive blast furnaces risks $187 billion in stranded assets. The reliance on coal in steel production poses a significant challenge to decarbonizing the industry and achieving long-term sustainability.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines to identify fake patients in medical colleges seeking approval or increased MBBS seats. These guidelines highlight suspicious indicators like numerous recent admissions for minor ailments, lack of investigations, and unusually healthy pediatric patients.
Home Minister Amit Shah announced a new laser-equipped anti-drone system is proving effective, neutralizing 55% of drones along the Punjab border, up from 3%. The BSF has recovered or shot down 257 drones this year. Shah pledged to expand the comprehensive integrated border management system to all borders.
The BJP has escalated its accusations against Congress, alleging a nexus with George Soros. They claim Sonia Gandhi's association with a Soros-funded organization advocating for Kashmir's separate status and Rahul Gandhi's reliance on a Soros-funded platform to target the Adani Group and the Modi government.
Uttar Pradesh initiated a program to enhance the visibility of stray cattle on highways at night by attaching reflective strips to their horns and necks. This measure aims to reduce accidents, a significant problem on state roads.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the Nitish Kumar government for its handling of protesting BPSC aspirants and the state's overall condition. Yadav highlighted issues like unemployment, poverty, and rising electricity bills, promising relief if elected. He questioned the 'double-engine government's' achievements and the Chief Minister's upcoming yatra, emphasizing the need to address student concerns.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare urged the gems and jewellery industry to transparently disclose the nature of diamonds (natural or lab-grown) in sales and advertisements. She emphasized the need for traceability of origin and highlighted ongoing efforts to regulate lab-grown diamonds and mandate hallmarking for gold bullion to protect consumer interests and ensure quality across the value chain.
"A delegation of concerned citizens and experts, including Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, environmentalists Jai Dhar Gupta and Vimlendu Jha, and Bhavreen Khandari met with the LoP Shri @RahulGandhi to address the worsening air pollution crisis. They presented a petition urging immediate action and proposed concrete solutions to mitigate the public health emergency. Rahul ji assured the delegation that he would raise the issue in Parliament and advocate for swift action on their demands, prioritising the health and well-being of citizens and the environment," the official handle of the Congress posted on X.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched a performance rating system for highway maintenance contractors. Contractors scoring below 60 will be deemed "non-performers", impacting future project bids. Network survey vehicles will assess road conditions, and data will be publicly available. This initiative aims to improve the quality of India's expanding highway network.
After 11 days of political drama, Devendra Fadnavis was proposed as the next chief minister of Maharashtra by Eknath Shinde. The BJP secured a significant victory in the state assembly elections, leading to discussions over leadership within the Mahayuti coalition. Shinde's initial claim for a second term was rejected, ultimately leading to his acceptance of Fadnavis's nomination.
Israel’s economy minister Nir Barkat highlighted the challenge posed by Iran and its proxies in West Asia. He emphasized Israel's goals in Gaza to eliminate Hamas and secure hostages, while supporting stronger economic ties with India. Barkat also reaffirmed Israel's willingness to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia and praised India's support for Israel.
Najma Heptulla highlights a significant experience from 1999 where, after being elected president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), she had to wait an hour to speak to Sonia Gandhi, contrasting it with the instant response from PM Vajpayee. She contrasts her experience with Sonia's leadership to the more accessible style of Indira Gandhi.
J&K BJP leaders demand action against PDP president Mehbooba Mufti for her controversial remarks comparing the treatment of minorities in India to Bangladesh. They describe her statements as anti-national and divisive. BJP's Tarun Chugh accuses Mehbooba of ideological bankruptcy, asserting her claims of India's secular foundation shaking are baseless and reflect frustration over electoral failures.
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