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India has achieved a big boost to its defence capabilities with the successful trials of the advanced Akash Next Generation air defence missile system. Akash-NG is designed to swiftly detect and destroy hostile aircraft and incoming missiles. The system is expected to be inducted soon, significantly enhancing the nation’s air defence strength.
A court in Gautam Buddh Nagar rejected the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea to withdraw charges in the 2015 lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq. The judge ordered day-to-day hearings, early recording of evidence, and protection of material proof. Akhlaq was killed over beef rumours, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage over religious intolerance.
Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, made key comments on her political future. Responding to remarks by MP Imran Masood, he said party workers want Priyanka Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate. Vadra added that many people wish her to take a bigger political role and have also encouraged him to enter politics.
Madhya Pradesh released draft electoral rolls after Special Intensive Revision (SIR), removing 42.74 lakh names, including 19.19 lakh men and 23.64 lakh women. In Bhopal, 4.38 lakh names were deleted, mostly from Govindpura and Narela constituencies. Claims and objections continue until January 22, 2026, with the final list due February 21.
In South Auckland, a far-right group disrupted a Sikh nagar kirtan, performing a Maori Haka and halting the procession. Political leaders and Sikh organisations condemned the act, calling for protection of religious freedom. India’s Punjab CM and SGPC urged New Zealand authorities to ensure safety and respect for Sikh traditions.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif offered dialogue with opposition PTI to ease political tensions after Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced to 17 years in a corruption case. He emphasized talks must address “legitimate issues” without blackmail. The initiative follows stalled negotiations, ongoing PTI protests, and Khan’s incarceration.
Rajasthan Congress announced the “Aravalli Bachao” agitation across 19 districts, accusing the BJP of enabling large-scale mining under a new definition excluding hills below 100 metres. Leaders allege a nexus between officials and the mining mafia, threatening 68,000 acres. Protests aim to protect Aravallis’ ecology, until the Centre withdraws the decision.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) condemned rising attacks on Christians during Christmas, citing incidents like the harassment of a visually impaired woman in Jabalpur. The body urged Amit Shah to protect Christian communities, demanded dismissal of BJP official Anju Bhargava, and called for action against hate campaigns.
Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut visited Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, completing her ninth Jyotirlinga darshan. The temple, one of twelve Jyotirlingas, draws devotees seeking blessings and healing. Open from 4 am with morning and evening darshans, the best visiting period is October–March. Accessible by air, train, and road, it offers a spiritual experience.
The Trump administration announced a Christmas incentive urging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the US. DHS is offering $3,000 and paid travel for those using the CBP Home app before year-end. Officials say the move aims to cut enforcement costs, speed up deportations, and warn that non-compliance could lead to arrest and permanent bans.
US Vice President JD Vance condemned antisemitic and racist attacks on his wife, Usha Vance, responding sharply to far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and former Biden press secretary Jen Psaki. He rejected ethnic hatred, criticized race-based policies he says enable discrimination, and urged Americans to prioritize shared values over ancestry or lineage.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised the MEA for reviving Nalanda University, calling it a proud moment for India. After attending the Nalanda Literature Festival 2025, he admired the new campus and credited Indian diplomacy. He also noted concerns about India’s global university rankings while highlighting Nalanda’s rich academic legacy.
TG CM Revanth Reddy extended his greetings to the newly elected representatives of Gram Panchayats across the state. Congratulating the incoming sarpanches, vice-sarpanches, and ward members, he expressed hope that they would deliver transparent governance and transform their panchayats into role models for grassroots administration.
On the 22nd death anniversary of PV Narasimha Rao, the nation remembers the remarkable journey of India’s 9th PM. From a scholar and freedom fighter to a transformative leader, Rao played a key role in shaping modern India through bold economic reforms and diplomatic initiatives, leaving behind a lasting legacy in governance, and national development.
AP CM Chandrababu announced plans to install statues honoring leaders and martyrs in Amaravati, Guntur district. A 58-foot statue of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be unveiled on December 25. Also, a 60-foot statue of TDP founder NTR and a smaller statue of freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu will be placed atop a 32-meter-high structure […]