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India’s upcoming key defense talks during Russian President Putin’s tour center on a deal for the advanced S-500 air defense system. Russia may offer India cutting-edge missile defense, tech transfer, and local production. It is a big move to reshape regional military balance and draw intense scrutiny from the Western countries over strategic implications.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy accused the Centre of filing a new case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to divert attention from Rahul’s nationwide ‘vote chori’ campaign. Addressing a Congress executive meet, he called the FIR “illegal” and claimed it was meant to avoid debate on alleged election flaws. He said Telangana stands with the Gandhis.
The BJP has fielded a surprising candidate in Kerala’s Munnar: a local woman named Sonia Gandhi, originally named after the Congress leader by her Congress-worker father. Now married into a BJP family, she contests her first panchayat election against Congress and CPI(M) rivals. Her unusual name has created buzz ahead of Kerala’s local body polls.
AIMIM Nampally MLA Majid Hussain’s remarks at a Maharashtra rally sparked controversy after being seen as inciting sentiments. BJP’s Minority Morcha condemned the comments, accusing AIMIM of using religion politically. The row erupted amid voting for 264 municipal councils and nagar panchayats, a key indicator of Maharashtra’s political mood.
Chief Justice Surya Kant, in a case on five missing Rohingya, questioned if illegal immigrants deserve a “red carpet” welcome. Highlighting India’s obligations, he noted citizens also need resources. While emphasizing humane treatment, he stressed that the Rohingya lack legal refugee status. The Supreme Court adjourned the matter to December 16.
Imran Khan, jailed since August 2023, met his sister Uzma Khan for 20 minutes in Adiala Jail. He claimed mental torture and restricted movement, blaming Army chief Asim Munir for his incarceration. Rumours about his health and death intensified after weeks without visits. Supporters protested in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, demanding clarity on his condition.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy by joking that pets are allowed inside Parliament, referring to a rescued dog brought by Renuka Chowdhury. His remark drew laughter but drew criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of disrespecting MPs and Parliament, suggesting he compared lawmakers to dogs, fueling a heated political debate.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah clarified there is no rift with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, calling their governance united “like brothers.” He stated Shivakumar will become CM whenever the Congress high command decides. Recent breakfast meetings aim to ease leadership tensions ahead of the Belagavi legislature session, amid ongoing power-sharing speculations.
Pakistan faced backlash after relief packages sent to flood-hit Sri Lanka showed expiry dates of October 2024. The High Commission’s photos on social media triggered criticism, while India stepped up massive humanitarian aid, sending over 53 tonnes of supplies, evacuating stranded citizens, and conducting rescue operations via Navy ships and IAF aircraft.
The government and Opposition reached a truce on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) debate. The government refused immediate SIR discussion but agreed to talk on broader electoral reforms on December 10. Opposition demands prompt SIR discussion persist amid protests and disruptions in Parliament sessions. Dialogue and formal meetings are planned to resolve the issue.
Supporters of jailed ex-PM Imran Khan protest, demanding clarity on his health after assassination rumors in Adiala Jail. Security tightened, Section 144 imposed. Protests near jail and Islamabad High Court continue. Khan’s sisters met him and will soon update media, amid government denials and escalating political tensions.
The new complex for the Prime Minister’s Office will be called ‘Seva Teerth’. Built under the Central Vista redevelopment project, it will bring major government offices together for better coordination. The PMO will shift from South Block to a modern facility named Seva Teerth-1, the first of three buildings in the new Executive Enclave.
Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy warned that Pawan Kalyan’s films will not release in Telangana unless he apologises for his “insulting” remarks about the state. Several Telangana leaders criticised the Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM for blaming Konaseema’s coconut tree damage on an “evil eye.”
The Centre said States and UTs have deleted 2.49 crore ration cards since 2020 after finding duplicate or ineligible beneficiaries. India currently has over 20.29 crore active cards. Around 80 crore people get free foodgrains under the NFSA. No reports of wrongful deletions were received, and 0.79 crore beneficiaries can still be added.
India has sent a special Army team to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide quick help. The group includes medical, engineering and communication units. Doctors can perform surgeries and treat many patients. Engineers are restoring key services, while signals teams keep communication active. India says it will continue supporting Sri Lanka.