QUICKREADS

India-EU hold counter terror dialogue, exchange global threat assessments

India and EU held counter-terrorism dialogue in Brussels, condemning terrorist attacks and cross-border terrorism. They exchanged threat assessments, discussed cooperation in multilateral forums, and explored strategies to combat terrorism and online radicalization.

Cabinet approves doubling of Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail track with ₹3,169 crore investment

Cabinet approves ₹3,169 crore railway track doubling across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Project expands network 177 km, enhances connectivity for 441 villages, boosts freight traffic, and supports regional development with environmental benefits.

Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni speaks with PM Modi, discusses situation in Ukraine

Modi and Meloni discussed Ukraine conflict resolution, bilateral ties, and EU trade agreement. They reaffirmed commitment to strategic partnership, emphasized peaceful Ukraine resolution, and agreed to promote connectivity through IMEEEC initiative.

President reference case: SC says not fair after Centre claims 90% bills cleared in a month since 1970

The Centre informed the Supreme Court that 90% of state assembly bills have received gubernatorial assent within a month since 1970, with only 20 instances of withheld assent. The five-judge bench raised concerns over the fairness of presenting this data without allowing opposing parties to do the same, while examining constitutional questions regarding the powers of governors and the legislative process.

SCO counter-terrorism mechanism condemns Pahalgam attack

SCO's counter-terrorism mechanism condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, with India opposing double standards. The meeting endorsed holding attackers accountable and emphasized combating cross-border terrorism during the Kyrgyzstan-hosted RATS gathering.

SSB nabs five Nepal jail escapees at India-Nepal border in UP's Siddharthnagar

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) apprehended five prisoners who escaped from a Nepal jail during anti-corruption protests while attempting to cross into India. Caught at the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, they were unable to provide valid identification and were handed over to local police. The Nepalese Army has since been deployed to restore order around the jail.

Delhi court to decide on allegations of Sonia Gandhi's electoral roll inclusion

A Delhi court reserved its order on a plea against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, alleging her inclusion in electoral rolls before acquiring Indian citizenship. The complainant argued her name appeared in 1980 but was deleted in 1982, suggesting potential forgery. The plea requests police investigation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for alleged discrepancies regarding her citizenship status.

Prima facie compromises fair trial: Delhi on LG notification over virtual relay of evidence

The Delhi High Court expressed concerns that a notification allowing police officials to present evidence from police stations may compromise the fairness of trials. The court questioned the choice of police stations as designated places, emphasizing the need for neutrality to ensure the accused's right to a fair trial. The case will be revisited on December 10.

Nepal situation: Uttarakhand steps up vigil in border areas, many states set up helplines

Amid deadly protests in Nepal, Indian states have launched special cells to assist residents stranded there, while increasing border vigilance. Nepal's Prime Minister resigned due to escalating unrest. Many Indian tourists, including those from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, are trapped in Kathmandu as flights are canceled. States are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs for safe repatriation.

DTC suspends Delhi-Kathmandu bus service amid unrest in Nepal

The Delhi-Kathmandu bus service has been suspended due to escalating protests in Nepal against the government, sparked by a social media ban. The protests reflect broader public discontent with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's administration over issues of corruption and neglect. Refunds will be issued to affected passengers as the service awaits normalization of the situation.

Extradition proceedings against Mehul Choksi in Belgium likely to begin on Monday, say officials

Extradition proceedings for fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, wanted in the Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, are set to begin in a Belgian court next Monday. Choksi, who has resided in Belgium since 2023, was arrested in April following India's extradition request. The case marks the first under a treaty signed in 2020 between India and Belgium.

Chhattisgarh cop shot dead 2 relatives with service rifle, arrested

A Chhattisgarh Armed Force constable shot dead his 17-year-old sister-in-law and uncle-in-law with his service rifle near Chhindpur village, reportedly due to a family dispute. He was arrested immediately after the incident.

HC orders return of Sabarimala gold plates, pulls up Devaswom Board for bypassing approval

The Kerala High Court has ordered the Travancore Devaswom Board to return gold-plated copper sheets removed from the Sabarimala temple without court approval. The court criticized the board for not seeking permission prior to the removal and emphasized the need for adherence to regulations regarding temple repairs. The board had previously denied claims of unauthorized actions.

Cypto, decades-old vehicles, revolvers, guns among assets declared by Union ministers for 2024-25

Members of India's Union Ministers Council have disclosed their assets for 2024-25, revealing diverse holdings including cryptocurrency, gold jewellery, and vintage vehicles. Notably, Jayant Chaudhary reported crypto investments worth Rs 21.31 lakh, while other ministers declared traditional assets like land and mutual funds. The disclosures highlight ongoing concerns about the regulatory status of cryptocurrencies in India.

PM Modi to visit Uttarakhand for aerial survey of disaster-hit areas tomorrow: Officials

PM Modi will visit Uttarakhand for an aerial survey of disaster-hit areas, meeting officials to assess damage from intense monsoon rains. A central team praised state relief efforts and highlighted long-term disaster management challenges.