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Congress leaders paid tribute to former PM Manmohan Singh on his death anniversary, remembering his humility and lifelong service to the nation. Calling him a transformative leader, party president Kharge said Singh reshaped India’s economic direction through bold reforms. They said his legacy continues to inspire future generations across the country.
Imprisoned former Malaysian PM Najib Razak was convicted in a corruption trial tied to the multibillion-dollar looting of the 1MDB state investment fund. The High Court found the 72-year-old guilty on three counts of abuse of power after years of investigations. Judges were still delivering rulings on additional charges during court proceedings.
According to a latest report by the Athens-based organisation Directus, women in Pakistan face severe gender discrimination. Only 22.6% of women aged 15–64 are employed. Social restrictions, limits on mobility, wage gaps, and systemic failures are major reasons. The report also says women’s participation is low even in the capital, Islamabad.
Silver is nicknamed the ‘devil’s metal’ in investment circles due to its notorious price volatility. Unlike gold, which tends to have steady value, silver can experience sudden and dramatic fluctuations. These rapid swings offer opportunities for high profits but also carry significant risks, making it a challenging investment for cautious investors.
If you have torn or damaged currency notes, there is no need to worry. As per RBI rules, notes above ten rupees can be exchanged at banks. Dirty or slightly torn notes are replaced fully. Notes missing some features get partial value. Fully burnt or badly damaged notes can be exchanged at RBI regional offices.
The Defence Ministry is expected to approve several indigenous defence projects today. These include an air defence system for Delhi, drones for the Army, missiles for the Navy and Air Force, tank upgrades, and new rockets. The council may also discuss leasing US Sea Guardian drones and buying refueller aircraft to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
West Bengal Assembly LoP Suvendu Adhikari will lead a 6-member delegation to Bangladesh’s Deputy Commissioner today to raise demands over the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das and minority atrocities under Muhammad Yunus. 5 members, Sarbananda Abadhut, Mahakal Giri, Sanjay Shastri, Sanjay Hela, Krishna Mataji, represent the Hindu saint society.
Air pollution is India’s biggest health crisis since Covid, with a hidden surge of undiagnosed airway diseases worsening yearly, warn UK-based doctors. Linked to rising cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, experts urge early detection, treatment, and science-driven policies. PM2.5 caused over 17 lakh deaths in 2022, with transport emissions a major contributor.
Violence broke out in Jaipur’s Chomu town after police tried to remove stones outside a mosque. A crowd attacked police with stones, injuring several officers. Tear gas was used to control the situation. Authorities suspended internet services for 24 hrs, deployed extra forces, detained suspects, and urged people to stay calm as peace was restored.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin will inaugurate the third agriculture expo-cum-seminar tomorrow, December 27, in Tiruvannamalai, organized by the TN Agriculture Department. The two-day event will showcase modern technologies, crop varieties, organic farming, livestock, and agro-industries. CM Stalin will distribute ₹669 crore in welfare benefits to 80,571 farmers.
Andhra Pradesh Municipal Minister P Narayana started the foundation work for the new High Court in Amaravati. Designed by Norman Foster and Partners, the B+G+7 building will have 52 court halls, with the Chief Justice’s court on the eighth floor. Construction is part of seven iconic city projects and aims for completion by 2027.
Banks in several parts of India, including SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank and Central Bank, will remain closed today, December 26, due to Christmas celebrations. The holiday follows the RBI bank holiday calendar, as many regions observe post-Christmas festivities, leading to bank closures across select states today.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed hope that experts will solve Delhi’s air pollution problem. The city’s AQI briefly improved to 220, but Anand Vihar remained very poor. Health experts warn of long-term pollution risks, including respiratory and heart diseases, with hospitals seeing a 20–30% rise in patients over December.
The IMD issued red and orange alerts for very dense fog across several UP districts, including Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Raebareli. Red-alert areas may see visibility below 50 metres, while orange-alert districts could experience 50-200 metre visibility. The warning, issued on X, covers over 40 districts, advising caution due to severely reduced visibility conditions.
PM Modi will participate in “Veer Baal Diwas” at Bharat Mandapam today, honouring Sahibzades Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. The event features his address, participation of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winners, and nationwide activities like storytelling, poetry, poster-making, and essay competitions celebrating their courage and sacrifice.