A 72-hour shutdown in Katra against the proposed Vaishno Devi ropeway project has entered its second day, with protesters on a hunger strike demanding the release of detained members. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti claims that the project threatens local livelihoods. The bandh has halted business activities, causing inconvenience to pilgrims.
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Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President, who passed away at 100, had strong connections with India. His 1978 visit led to a Haryana village being renamed 'Carterpuri'. Carter praised Indian democracy and signed the Delhi Declaration, strengthening Indo-US ties based on shared democratic values.
PM Narendra Modi will visit Oslo for the 3rd India-Nordic summit, aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, innovation, and green transition. Discussions will also address climate change, the blue economy, and international peace and security, including the Russia-Ukraine war. On his return, Modi is expected to visit Croatia, marking the first such visit by an Indian PM.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated a 120km bus service from Aheri to Wangeturi, crossing through Maoist-dominated Gadchiroli. This new service benefits 10,000 tribals from 20 villages, previously isolated during monsoon. The infrastructure facilitates force movement and marks a significant development against Maoist control.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Foreigner Tribunals in Assam cannot review their own decisions regarding individuals' citizenship status once an order is made. The tribunal's 2019 attempt to re-examine the case of Rejia Khatun, declared not a foreigner in 2018, was deemed impermissible.
The framing of charges in the SSC cash-for-jobs case in West Bengal was postponed as accused Sujay Krishna Bhadra fell ill and was hospitalized. Accused individuals, including ex-minister Partha Chatterjee, face money laundering charges. The proceedings will resume on January 2 once all accused are present.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has urged the civil aviation ministry to address the issue of high airfares during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, calling the inflated prices unjust and unethical. They commend Indian Railways for maintaining reasonable fares and advocate for the airlines to prioritize fair pricing and passenger satisfaction.
The road transport ministry of India is planning to mandate vehicle owners and driving licence holders to update their address, mobile phone number, and other details to track violators effectively. This proposed rule, part of the Motor Vehicle Act amendments, aims to enhance the e-challan system by ensuring accurate and up-to-date databases.
A group of 12 undocumented Indian immigrants deported from the US to Panama reached Delhi, facilitated by the International Organisation for Migration. This comes after the deportation of 332 others to Amritsar earlier this month. Cases have been registered against travel agents responsible for illegal facilitation.
Congress moved the Supreme Court to address the legitimacy of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, preserving the 1947 status of religious sites. Exceptions include the Ram Janmabhoomi case. The court restricted fresh disputes and ongoing orders about religious sites pending a decision. Contested petitions challenge the 1947 cut-off date's rationality, questioning its connection to India's independence.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concerns over the hiring of retired individuals and the extension of government officials' tenures, suggesting it hinders career progression for others. Speaking at the National Conference of State Public Service Commissions in Bengaluru, Dhankhar emphasized the importance of objectivity and non-favoritism in public service appointments.