India News
UP Priest Arrested for Sexually Assaulting 7-Year-Old Boy Near Temple in Deoria
Dec 17, 2025 02:10 am CST
A 65-year-old priest, Ramesh Chandra Puri, has been arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria for allegedly sexually assaulting a seven-year-old boy near a local temple. The accused, who served as a temple priest for two decades, has been charged under the POCSO Act and remanded to judicial custody while further legal proceedings continue.
Congress Announces Nationwide Protests Against MGNREGA Renaming: Defending Gandhi's Legacy and Rural Employment Rights
Dec 17, 2025 02:08 am CST
The Indian National Congress has launched nationwide protests against the Central government's decision to rename MGNREGA, claiming it represents an attack on Mahatma Gandhi's legacy and rights-based welfare. Congress directed all state units to organize demonstrations featuring Gandhi's portraits on December 17, with additional events planned for their Foundation Day on December 28. Opposition leaders protest the new VB-G RAM-G Bill, which aims to replace the two-decade-old employment guarantee act while increasing work days from 100 to 125 per rural household.
Bihar Cabinet Reshuffle Following Nitin Nabin's Appointment as BJP National Working President
Dec 17, 2025 02:04 am CST
Following Nitin Nabin's appointment as BJP National Working President and subsequent cabinet resignation, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar implemented a strategic reshuffle, elevating Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha to head Urban Development and Housing while Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal takes charge of the crucial Road Construction Department, ensuring administrative continuity in the state government.
Rahul Gandhi's Germany Trip Sparks Political Controversy as Congress Issues Whip for Critical MGNREGA Debate
Dec 17, 2025 01:58 am CST
Congress has issued a parliamentary whip requiring MP attendance for crucial bills including MGNREGA renaming, while Rahul Gandhi's absence in Germany draws BJP criticism. The proposed removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the employment scheme has triggered significant opposition from Congress leaders who view it as an attack on Gandhi's legacy during important legislative discussions.
Lionel Messi's Planned Meeting with PM Modi: The Jersey Gift That Never Happened
Dec 17, 2025 01:28 am CST
Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi had agreed to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India tour and had even purchased a special jersey as a birthday gift, reveals former Union Minister Praful Patel. The high-profile meeting never materialized due to scheduling conflicts with the PM's Jordan visit, following Messi's controversial abbreviated appearance at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium.
FSSAI Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Adulterated Milk Products to Protect Consumer Health
Dec 17, 2025 01:27 am CST
India's food safety regulator FSSAI has ordered all states to implement a special enforcement drive targeting adulterated milk products. The nationwide initiative includes rigorous inspections of dairy producers, sample collection, and strict actions against violators to ensure food safety, prevent fraud, and protect public health across India.
Delhi Implements Strict PUC Certificate Enforcement: No Fuel Without Valid Pollution Certificate From December 18
Dec 17, 2025 12:54 am CST
Starting December 18, Delhi will enforce a new regulation prohibiting vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates from refueling at petrol stations. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced comprehensive measures including camera surveillance at fuel stations, entry restrictions for non-BS-VI vehicles, and expansion of the city's electric bus fleet to combat deteriorating air quality in the national capital.
Gujarat Bans Rolling Papers and Pre-Rolled Cones: Health Concerns and Substance Abuse Prevention Measures
Dec 17, 2025 12:51 am CST
The Gujarat government has imposed an immediate ban on rolling papers and pre-rolled cones due to health hazards and concerns about youth substance abuse. The products, containing toxic chemicals like titanium oxide and potassium nitrate, were easily available at paan shops and grocery stores across the state. Violators will face charges under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Punjab CM Challenges BJP: Delhi's Severe Pollution Persists Despite Absence of Stubble Burning
Dec 17, 2025 12:41 am CST
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann questions BJP's narrative on pollution sources as Delhi's AQI reaches dangerous levels between 450-500 while Punjab reports no stubble burning incidents. Mann highlights that Punjab farmers have reduced stubble burning by 70-80%, yet Delhi's air quality crisis continues unabated, suggesting other factors are responsible for the capital's pollution problems.
PM Modi Strengthens India-Ethiopia Relations During Historic Meeting With Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali
Dec 17, 2025 12:41 am CST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden bilateral visit to Ethiopia marked significant diplomatic progress as he met with Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali to enhance partnerships across multiple sectors. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian leader demonstrated exceptional hospitality by personally welcoming PM Modi, driving him to his hotel, and making an unscheduled visit to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, signaling strong bilateral ties between the two nations.