Google CEO Sundar Pichai and SpaceX’s Elon Musk praised Jeff Bezos for Blue Origin’s milestone as New Glenn rocket completes its first test flight. It signifies a major advancement in private space travel. The New Glenn rocket, named after John Glenn, solidifies Blue Origin's standing in the space race with its successful test flight.
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The opposition parties have rejected the 'One Nation, One Election' bill, set to be tabled in the Lok Sabha. Congress, SP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the bill as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and an attempt to centralize power.
Delhi University argued in the high court that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BA degree does not fall under public interest under RTI. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that mere curiosity does not equate to public interest. The Central Information Commission on December 21, 2016, ordered the inspection of records of all students who cleared the BA exam in 1978 -- the year Prime Minister Modi also passed it.​​​
Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, revealed he faced potential death while in Pakistan due to a lawsuit over alleged blasphemy linked to Facebook. Despite balancing free expression with local regulations, increasing pressure from global content regulation remains a significant challenge for tech companies.
A bizarre incident occurred in Sanand, where a deceased man, Poonam Senva, was listed as a witness in his own death after a truck collision. This unusual occurrence follows a pattern of misattribution in accidental death cases, including instances where a motorcycle and a bovine were named as the accused.
The Goa tourism department has suspended all paragliding activities across the state following the recent deaths of a tourist and an operator at Keri, North Goa. Authorities will review current operators' compliance with safety standards, requiring them to submit documentation for inspection. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penal action under applicable laws.
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is set to accelerate production of the Tejas Mark-1A fighters following the delayed delivery of the first of 99 engines from GE. With finalizing integrations and increasing production lines, the IAF aims to bolster its fighter fleet, which is critically undermanned.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Parliament on various foreign policy matters. He confirmed Indian troops will patrol all historical points in Ladakh, including Depsang, despite disengagement agreements with China. Jaishankar expressed concern over minority treatment in Bangladesh, hoping for improved bilateral relations. He reiterated India's desire for amicable ties with Pakistan, contingent on Pakistan curbing terrorism.
Steve Smith hit his 11th Test century against India, becoming the top century-maker against them and securing his 34th overall. His score of 140 at the MCG elevated him to joint seventh in all-time Test centuries. Smith's innings ended with an unusual dismissal after he edged the ball onto his stumps, drawing a standing ovation.
A controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the sale of an 8,000sq ft site in Jayanagar by the BDA for Rs 2 crore, far below its actual market value. BJP has demanded an investigation, alleging the land was sold to benefit private interests. The plot was controversially sold citing a 2020 order, despite it being occupied since 1973.
The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has advised singer Diljit Dosanjh against performing songs promoting alcohol, drugs, and violence at his December 14 Chandigarh concert. The commission cited potential negative impacts on children and referenced WHO sound level guidelines. They also requested no alcohol be served to those under 25, citing legal ramifications.