South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary, becoming responsible for key agencies and national security functions. Despite bipartisan support, some Democrats remain opposed to her approach, particularly concerning immigration policies and disaster aid administration.
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RPP senior vice-president Mishra and general secretary Rana, a member of the lower house, were remanded in custody for five days by Kathmandu district court judge Taradevi Maharjan.
Mumbai Indians won their second Women's Premier League title with an 8-run victory over Delhi Capitals. Nat Sciver-Brunt led the bowling attack with 3/30, restricting Delhi to 141 for 9 in response to Mumbai's 149 for 7, highlighted by Harmanpreet Kaur's 66 off 44 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai, taking 3 for 30. Amelia Kerr chipped in with two wickets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded French activists in Marseille for resisting Britain's effort to take Veer Savarkar back after his escape from a British ship in 1910. Modi, with French President Emmanuel Macron, visited the Mazargues War Cemetery to honor Indian soldiers. He noted Savarkar's bravery as a continuing inspiration.
The Senate confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA director, making him President Trump's second cabinet member. Ratcliffe plans to enhance the CIA's use of technology to counter threats like Russia and China while safeguarding civil rights. Despite concerns from Democrats, he was confirmed 74-25.
A local BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, Gulfam Singh Yadav, was killed after three men allegedly injected him with a poisonous substance at his farm. The assailants fled the scene, and Yadav died while being taken to Aligarh for treatment. Police are investigating but have not yet received a formal complaint from the victim's family.
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.
In 2025, Isro will have a significant year with several key missions, including the launch of NVS-02 navigation satellite, the unmanned Gaganyaan mission featuring Vyommitra, and the Indo-US NISAR satellite, among others. The space agency looks to bolster its commercial satellite launch revenue, enhancing its global space economy stature.
Zalmay Khalilzad, former US special envoy for Afghanistan, called Afghan deputy foreign minister Stanikzai's critique of the ban on women's education a promising development. Stanikzai urged the Taliban leader to lift the ban, terming it an 'injustice' and stressing that it does not align with Sharia law.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, releasing energy equivalent to over 300 atomic bombs and causing more than 1,600 deaths. Aftershocks may persist due to ongoing tectonic activity. Communication blackouts and civil strife hinder damage assessment. India has extended humanitarian aid through 'Operation Brahma', while nearby Thailand also reported fatalities.
Pakistani Hindu state minister Kheal Das Kohistani faced an attack in Sindh due to protests against federal canal projects, which are perceived as a threat to the province's water share. Demonstrators targeted his motorcade with tomatoes and potatoes, prompting swift condemnation from federal and provincial authorities.