Duisburg, Germany, aims to increase voter turnout by offering drink vouchers at polling stations for those casting absentee ballots. With historically low voter turnout, this initiative seeks to spotlight the federal elections and engage citizens who are typically unresponsive to traditional campaign methods.
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Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, airlines like Air India and IndiGo are offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds for affected travelers. Special flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai have been added, with cancellation and rescheduling fees waived. EaseMyTrip has also extended waivers, coordinating with airlines and local authorities to provide updates amidst increased demand.
The government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2025 season. Milling copra's MSP is set at Rs 11,582 per quintal, while ball copra's is Rs 12,100. This represents a substantial increase of over 120% since 2014. The hike aims to benefit coconut growers, boost copra production, and meet growing market demands.
A septuagenarian couple was brutally murdered in their Kohat Enclave home in northwest Delhi. Their new caretaker, who was hired just four days prior and is now missing, is the prime suspect. The incident, which appears to be a robbery, has left the community in shock.
Faisal Patel, son of late Ahmed Patel, has decided to stop working for Congress, citing feelings of being overlooked despite his loyalty. In an emotional post, the 44-year-old stressed his father's lifelong dedication to the party and the Gandhi family. Faisal's discontent has reportedly grown since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Leader of opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticizes Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for his failure to curb human trafficking. As Indian deportees from the US land in Amritsar, Bajwa questions the efficacy of the Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, and BJP criticizes Mann's government for inefficiency.
Starting May 5th, the Education Department will resume collecting defaulted federal student loans, ending the pandemic-era freeze. Millions of borrowers risk wage garnishment and seized tax refunds, impacting 5.3 million currently in default and 4 million nearing it. Critics argue this move will harm struggling families amidst policy confusion and uncertainty surrounding repayment plans.
Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin's claim that Hindi imposition has eroded numerous North Indian regional languages, criticizing the CM's attempt to divide society. Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu's readiness for another language war against the Centre's NEP, which he believes threatens regional languages and students’ futures.
Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen stirred the pot by declaring faster chess formats the "pure sport", criticising classical chess for being "too forgiving". He argued that rapid and blitz chess better reflect a player's all-around skills. Carlsen also critiqued the recent World Championship match between Gukesh and Ding, deeming the quality subpar.
Cristiano Ronaldo is spending Christmas with his family in Lapland (Finland), enjoying special moments like meeting Santa Claus and taking a chilly plunge. The football star shared snippets of his vacation on social media and expressed hopes for a successful 2025. Currently playing for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is on a winter break until January 9.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified there is no contradiction between the Army chief Upendra Dwivedi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar regarding disengagement with China in eastern Ladakh. While the Army chief mentioned a 'degree of standoff' remaining, the MEA highlights disengagement is completed at specific points. The Army chief notes authorities can handle minor issues to prevent escalation.