THE HEADLINES:
- India and Russia vow to scale up bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars by 2030.
- Centre working on simplifying the tax system; Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says income tax will no longer be seen as a tiresome exercise.
- Government directs IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay.
- President, Vice President and Prime Minister lead the nation in paying homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
- And in Men’s Cricket, third and final ODI between India and South Africa underway in Visakhapatnam.
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India and Russia vowed to scale up bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars by 2030. Addressing the India-Russia Business Forum alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that recent discussions between the two leaders and the strong potential on both sides indicate that the bilateral trade target will be achieved well ahead of schedule. He emphasized that simplified and predictable mechanisms are being created for business. He also noted that discussions have commenced on a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union.
The Prime Minister underlined that India is emerging as the world’s skilled capital and India’s youth hold the potential to meet global requirements.
Mr. Modi mentioned that at today’s summit, India and Russia have taken several important decisions on tourist visas for citizens of both countries which will boost tourism, create new business opportunities and open up new employment opportunities for both India and Russia. He expressed that both the countries can partner in EV manufacturing, automotive components, and wireless mobility tech which will contribute to the development of the Global South, especially Africa.
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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the Centre is working to simplify the tax system, noting that income tax should no longer be seen as a tiresome exercise. Addressing the leadership summit of a private media organisation in New Delhi today, the Minister highlighted that the income tax slabs need to be made more transparent, simplified and compliant, for the upliftment of the citizens. The Minister also said that a complete overhaul of the customs framework will be the next big assignment. She added that the government has steadily brought down custom duties in the last two years and is making ways to simplify customs, making them more transparent.
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Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today announced that the government is aiming to boost the income of cattle rearers by twenty percent over the next five years by implementing a circular economy model in the dairy sector. The Minister made the announcement while addressing a public meet in Sanadar, Gujarat, after inaugurating a Bio-CNG and Fertilizer Plant of Banas Dairy and performing the groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art 150 TPD Milk Powder and Baby Food Plant of Banas Dairy.
Highlighting the successful implementation of the circular economy by Banas Dairy, Mr. Shah reiterated that the government is working to replicate this model across all dairies in India. The Home Minister is scheduled to chair the 3rd meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Cooperation at Banas Dairy later today.
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Flight operations at Delhi Airport are steadily resuming and returning to normal following the recent disruptions. In an advisory, the Delhi Airport Authority informed passengers that some IndiGo flights will continue to be affected. It advised passengers to check the latest flight status with the airline before leaving for the airport to avoid inconvenience. The authority added that its teams are actively coordinating with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions and ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers. It further advised people to check the official website at www.newdelhiairport.in for the latest flight status.
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A nationwide competition is underway on the MyGov portal in the run-up to the ninth edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unique interactive program Pariksha Pe Charcha. The online multiple-choice-question-based competition will remain open till 11 January next year. Students from Classes 6 to 12, along with teachers and parents, can take part in the competition. All registered participants who complete the activity will receive a certificate of participation from MyGov. Pariksha Pe Charcha is scheduled to take place in January 2026, where students, parents, and teachers from India and abroad will engage with the Prime Minister to discuss exam stress and celebrate examinations as an utsav and an integral part of life.
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The Supreme Court has assured that judges are exercising the utmost caution when it comes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the judicial process, emphasizing that such technology will never take over judicial decision-making. A two-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing a petition calling for the regulation of AI and machine learning within the judicial system. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant made it clear that the judiciary is extremely cautious with technology. He emphasised that AI would never be allowed to overpower judicial decision-making, reiterating that the independence and human discretion of judges remain central to the Indian justice system. The Bench agreed that judges should cross-check such aspects, but expressed that it is not inclined to issue any directives on the judicial side on the issue.
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The nation pays homage to Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas or death anniversary today. Across the country, several programmes are being organised to highlight Dr. Ambedkar’s unparalleled contribution to nation-building. The commemoration honours the memory of Dr. Ambedkar who was a visionary social reformer, jurist and politician. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other dignitaries paid floral tribute to the architect of Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas at Parliament complex in New Delhi today. A report:
“70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed annually by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, paying homage to the eminent social reformer, jurist and politician Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. On the occasion , President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan , Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar in New Delhi today. This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate Dr Ambedkar’s efforts towards social justice, equality, and human rights. Mahaparinirvan is a concept rooted in Buddhist traditions that denotes the total emancipation of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution whose thoughts on social justice, equality, and democracy still continue to inspire generations. SHIVANG MISRA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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The Saras Ajeevika Food Festival 2025 which started from 29th of previous month is witnessing huge enthusiasm from the visitors and exhibitors alike. Organized by the Union Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission, the festival stands as a shining showcase of women’s empowerment. More from our correspondent:
“More than 500 dishes from 25 states are adding culinary richness to Saras Ajeevika Food Festival 2025, giving visitors a vibrant, delicious tour of India’s culture. Nearly 300 Lakhpati Didis and women from Self-Help Groups have travelled from every corner of the country to bring their best flavours to New Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, Talking to Akashvani News, an exhibitor from Jharkhand, Rekha Devi hailed the ministry’s initiative and said that she is getting benefitted financially by setting up a food stall in this festival. Entry to Saras Food Festival is free and open to visitors from 11.30 am to 9.30 pm till the 9th of this month. Amenities such as Saras Gallery and Mother Care Room are available at the festival. With SHIVANG MISRA, DRISHTI PUNIYANI FOR AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
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The Ministry of Civil Aviation has directed IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay. The Ministry has mandated that the refund process for all cancelled or disrupted flights must be fully completed by 8:00 PM tomorrow. Airlines have also been instructed not to levy any rescheduling charges for passengers whose travel plans were affected by cancellations. The Ministry has clarified that any delay or non-compliance in refund processing will invite immediate regulatory action.
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The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging whether children born in the United States to parents in the country illegally have a constitutional right to citizenship. President Donald Trump signed an order on his first day in office to end birthright citizenship for such children, but lower courts blocked the move. No date has been set for Supreme Court arguments, and a ruling could be months away. The case centers on the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the US, with exceptions for children of diplomats and foreign military personnel. The Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching effects on immigration policy and the meaning of US citizenship.
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In France, ten people were killed and 19 injured when a vehicle drove into a gathering preparing for Christmas celebrations in Sainte-Anne of Guadeloupe region. The tragedy occurred at Schoelcher Square, opposite the town hall and the church, where preparations were underway. Local media reported that three of the injured were in serious condition.The cause of the incident remains unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation. Further details are awaited.
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The Baloch National Movement has called for a re-evaluation of Islamabad’s preferential trade status under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus in light of the grave human rights abuses in Pakistan.Attending a conference at the European Parliament in Brussels, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Naseem Baloch, has stated that in recent years, Pakistan’s security establishment has intensified its campaign of repression in Balochistan. He said, peaceful political leaders, students, human rights defenders, and political activists have been targeted with a level of ferocity meant to silence an entire generation.
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India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha today. The IMD said that dense fog conditions are very likely to prevail during the early morning hours in the northeastern parts of the country, as well as in Himachal Pradesh and Odisha till 10th of this month. The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands till tomorrow.
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In Cricket, South Africa were 25 for one in eight overs against India in the third and final ODI of the three-match series in Visakhapatnam when reports last came in. Earlier, India won the toss and opted to bowl. With the series level at one – one, the clash is a do-or-die decider for both sides. India have made one change in the team. Tilak Verma came in place of Washinton Sundar while South Africa have made two changes. Rickelton and Baartman have taken the place of Burger and de Zorzi.
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In FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, India stormed into the semi finals after defeating Belgium in the quarterfinal clash in Chennai last night. The Indian team won in the the penalty shootout 4-3 after both teams were locked at 2-2 at full time.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- India and Russia vow to scale up bilateral trade to 100 billion dollars by 2030.
- Centre working on simplifying the tax system; Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says income tax will no longer be seen as a tiresome exercise.
- Government directs IndiGo to clear all pending passenger refunds without delay.
- President, Vice President and Prime Minister lead the nation in paying homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
- And in Men’s Cricket, third and final ODI between India and South Africa underway in Visakhapatnam.
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