Stay updated with the biggest headlines for Monday, 8 December—politics, crime, sports, and more—all summarized for quick reading. Get instant access to breaking news, major developments, and trending stories in just one click. Perfect for busy readers who want news on the go.
Top news of the day
India has granted the University of New South Wales (UNSW) approval to establish a campus in the country, reinforcing the growing education partnership with Australia. The announcement was made during the 3rd Australia-India Education and Skills Council (AIESC) meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Australian Education Minister Jason Clare.
With UNSW’s approval, seven Australian universities are now permitted to operate eight campuses across India, establishing Australia as the largest foreign educational partner under India’s new international universities framework. Minister Clare called the partnership “unmatched globally,” highlighting its unique depth and scope.
A dramatic incident unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district on Saturday when a 27-year-old man climbed onto the roof of a moving train, forcing railway authorities to cut power and halt operations for nearly 40 minutes to prevent a potential electrocution.
The incident occurred around 4:20 pm as the New Delhi-Manduadih Kashi Vishwanath Express made a routine halt at Maa Belha Devi Dham railway station. The man, identified as Mohammad Anas from Sant Kabir Nagar, suddenly scaled the side of a coach and positioned himself on the roof.
Uttar Pradesh Police has initiated a large scale operation against illegal codeine based cough syrup trafficking across the state. On Sunday, Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna held a press briefing in Lucknow and shared comprehensive details of the crackdown. He said the joint action was crucial to curb the rapidly increasing misuse of codeine syrup as a narcotic substance.
According to the DGP, the operation is being conducted in coordination with the Food Safety and Drug Administration. Preliminary findings indicate that the supply chain for illegal codeine syrup extends beyond Uttar Pradesh and involves multiple states.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday made a sharp remark on the political situation in Pakistan, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying, “Democracy and Pakistan don’t go together.”
The comment came during the MEA’s weekly media briefing when asked about the weakening state of democracy in the neighbouring country, particularly in the context of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ongoing protests.
The Indian rupee depreciated by 14 paise to close at 90.09 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, reflecting ongoing pressures in the foreign exchange market.
Analysts attributed the fall to a combination of elevated crude oil prices, persistent foreign fund outflows, and continued importer demand for the American currency. Market participants said these factors have dented investor sentiment, keeping the domestic currency under pressure.
A special condolence meeting was held in Noida following the passing of Lalita Sharma, mother of BJP MP Dr. Mahesh Sharma. The meeting took place at the Noida Stadium and was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Anil Agarwal, and several other political and social figures. The meeting was organized to express condolences to the bereaved family and to remember Lalita Sharma's contributions.
In his message at the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya prayed that God grant peace to Lalita Sharma's soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear the grief. He described Lalita Sharma's life and social service as inspiring. Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Anil Agarwal also paid tribute to Lalita Sharma, praising her virtues and her contributions to society.
The horrific accident at a Goa nightclub on Saturday has shaken everyone. This incident, occurring just before the peak holiday season, raises many questions about safety. As the investigation progresses, the causes of the accident are becoming clearer. Let's try to understand, step by step, how such a major tragedy occurred.
On Saturday, 25 people died in a sudden fire at the 'Birch By Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora, North Goa. The investigation revealed that the materials used for decoration inside the club were highly flammable.
Harley-Davidson has created a stir in the Indian mid-weight cruiser segment with the launch of its new X440 T. With an ex-showroom price of ₹2.79 lakh, this bike directly challenges the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which has become even more affordable after GST 2.0. The X440 T's modern styling and high-tech features are attracting young riders, while the Classic 350 remains a best-selling bike due to its reliability and retro design.
n a major breakthrough against Naxalism, notorious Naxalite commander and Central Committee Member (CCM) Ramdher Majjhi surrendered to the police along with his group on Monday. Known for his strategic role in Naxal operations and considered on par with the infamous Hidma, Majjhi had a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
Majjhi surrendered at the Bakar Katta police station in Chhattisgarh. Alongside him, several Maoist cadres including Chandu Usendi, Lalita, Janki, Prem, Ramsingh Dada, Sukesh Pottam, Lakshmi, Sheela, Sagar, Kavita, and Yogita also laid down arms.
Can Pakistan ever walk the path of peace and tranquility? Can Pakistan ever abandon terrorism? The answer to these questions is 'no'. Because after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India launched Operation Sindoor and destroyed nine terrorist bases located in Pakistan. Now, Pakistan is busy rebuilding those bases again.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have once again erupted into violent clashes. On Monday morning, a Thai soldier was killed and two others wounded after an alleged attack by Cambodia on the Thai border. In response, Thailand launched air strikes near the Cambodian border. Both countries are accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. Notably, a ceasefire had been brokered in October with the mediation of US President Donald Trump.
The 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple, located on the Dangrek Mountains, is the root cause of the dispute. This 11th-century Shiva temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but a long-standing conflict exists between the two countries over the surrounding land.
The Indigo crisis has shaken the entire country over the past week. Air travelers have faced immense difficulties. Thousands of flights were canceled, forcing people to wait in long lines at airports for refunds and baggage claims. The government was closely monitoring the entire situation. Now, the Union Aviation Minister has made a statement on the matter in Parliament.
During the Winter Session of Parliament, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora emphasized the need to increase competition in India’s aviation sector, highlighting that it would bring multiple benefits to passengers.
Deora stated that increased competition would ensure fair fares, improved services, and uncompromised safety standards. His remarks have sparked discussions in Parliament about how the aviation sector can better serve travellers.
During Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu made a significant statement in the Rajya Sabha, saying that the recent flight cancellations by IndiGo, the country's largest private airline, which affected thousands of passengers, were a result of a failure in its own internal systems. He clarified that this crisis had no direct connection to the new FDTL (Flight Duty Time Limitations) rules.
The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in the crisis of continuous flight delays and cancellations by IndiGo Airlines. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant remarked that since the government is actively taking steps in this matter, the court should not intervene at this time. The Supreme Court also stated in response to the petition that it would be a different matter if the situation remained unchanged, but the government is taking steps to handle it.
The owner of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, Saurabh Luthra, expressed his grief and solidarity with the victims and their families in the wake of the fire that killed 25 people on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday.
In a post on Instagram, he wrote that the management was “profoundly grief‑stricken and deeply shaken” by the tragedy, conveying “heartfelt condolences with utmost sincerity.” He said the management stands with the bereaved and the injured during this “hour of irreparable sorrow and overwhelming distress.
During the ongoing parliamentary debate marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi delivered a sharp response to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of “twisting” Bengal’s cultural heritage and failing to respect the true legacy of the song’s author, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Gogoi the Jorhat MP argued that Bankim Chandra’s creation was rooted in a proud Bengali tradition of resistance against colonial rule, a tradition he said BJP has neither understood nor honoured.
Narendra Modi on Monday led a special discussion in the Lok Sabha to mark 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram”, renewing its historical and cultural significance in a session that saw fierce criticism of the Indian National Congress (INC).
Modi described the occasion as a “historic moment” not only to recall the song’s emotional power, but to reclaim what he called a lost legacy. “This song is a mantra that energised and inspired India’s freedom movement,” he said, pointing out that when the British banned its printing and propagation, “Vande Mataram stood like a rock” against oppression.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday, described Vande Mataram, on the occasion of its 150th anniversary, as a “powerful mantra” that energized and inspired India's freedom struggle. He called it a symbol of pride and unity for the nation and said the government aims to restore the glory of Vande Mataram for future generations.
Upon the Prime Minister's entry into the Lok Sabha, members of the ruling party greeted him with chants of “Vande Mataram,” creating a patriotic atmosphere in Parliament.
The process of updating the voter list in Uttar Pradesh is currently underway. During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), it is now estimated that more than three crore names may be removed from the state's voter list. According to reports from the districts, a large number of voters have been identified who are absent, shifted, already registered elsewhere, or deceased – falling under the ASD (Absent, Shifted, Deceased) category.
Another arrest has been made in Delhi in connection with the devastating nightclub fire that occurred in Arpora, Goa, on Saturday night. Goa Police have taken Bharat Kohli, an employee of the nightclub, into custody. The fire has claimed the lives of 25 people. Kohli's arrest could bring a new dimension to the investigation. He will be brought to Goa for further questioning.
According to sources, Bharat Kohli is a resident of the Sabzi Mandi area in Delhi. He was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the nightclub. His involvement came to light during the questioning of a club manager by the police. Following this, Kohli was arrested and taken to Goa for further investigation.
With the SIT investigation into the illegal smuggling of narcotic cough syrup in Sonbhadra, several shocking facts are emerging. The investigation team has delved into the roots of this network and has now uncovered financial transactions that highlight both the seriousness and the extent of the case.
The investigation revealed suspicious transactions worth approximately Rs 425 crore were done in the last two years by the main stockist Shaili Traders. This amount clearly indicates the black market operations associated with the illegal trade of narcotic cough syrup.
The Union Ministry of Personnel has released the cadre allocation list for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, and Uttar Pradesh has bagged the cadre allocation for a total of 20 successful candidates, including several names from outside UP. This list indicates that a large group of new and talented officers will now be joining the administrative structure in UP. This could prove to be a significant step towards administrative reforms and stronger leadership in the state.
The grand finale of television's most popular reality show, Bigg Boss 19, was incredibly exciting. Actor Gaurav Khanna won the trophy in this finale. Salman Khan presented him with the trophy and a prize money of Rs. 50 lakhs. Farhana Bhatt was the first runner-up. Gaurav Khanna's victory has further increased his popularity.
Gaurav Khanna reportedly charged approximately Rs. 17.5 lakhs per week for Bigg Boss 19. He completed the entire 15-week journey. This brings his total fees to Rs. 2.62 crore. Adding the Rs. 50 lakh prize money, his total earnings amount to Rs. 3.12 crore. This means his show fees were significantly more than his prize money.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has stirred up a political storm by announcing that a prominent road in Hyderabad will be named after US President Donald Trump. The announcement was made at the ‘Telangana Rising Global Summit,’ leading to speculation that the state government is trying to grab international headlines. However, the proposal has given the opposition, particularly the BJP, an opportunity to launch a sharp attack.
Revanth Reddy suggested that the road leading to the US Consulate General in Hyderabad be named “Donald Trump Avenue.” If this proposal is approved, it would likely be the first time a road in India is named after a sitting US president.
IndiGo Airlines' operational crisis continues to deepen. On Monday, significant delays and cancellations were observed in IndiGo flights at several major airports across the country, including Delhi and Mumbai. This situation has caused difficulties for thousands of passengers, especially those who had to leave for the airport early in the morning.
Given the seriousness of the situation, Delhi Airport issued an advisory at 6:30 AM on Monday. It warned passengers of possible flight delays and advised them to check their flight status before leaving home. At Delhi Airport alone, 134 IndiGo flights were cancelled today, including 75 departures and 59 arrivals. These cancellations are putting pressure not only on passengers but also on the airport's operational system.
In India, protesting with the body of a deceased person after a murder or accident has become a common practice. Whether it's a death in a road accident or negligence in an investigation, people gather in large numbers, placing the body on the road.
They even prevent the last rites from being performed until their demands are met. But now, the government has taken strict measures to curb this. Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to implement the 'Respect for Dead Bodies Act, 2023'.
This new law will crack down on political or any other kind of protests involving dead bodies. Under this law, engaging in such activities can result in imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 5 years, along with a fine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate a special discussion in the Lok Sabha today on Monday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. This historic debate aims not only to highlight the glorious history of this national song but also to bring to light aspects of it that are little known to the general public.
During the discussion, PM Modi will shed light on the contribution of ‘Vande Mataram’, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and first published in the Bangadarshan magazine on November 7, 1875, to the freedom struggle. He will also discuss its cultural, historical, and contemporary relevance.
A horrific fire at the 'Birch Boy Romeo Lane' nightclub in Arpora, Goa, has shocked everyone. Initially, a cylinder blast was believed to be the cause of the fire, but now several major revelations have emerged regarding the incident.
25 people lost their lives in the fire that broke out at the nightclub on Saturday night. Most of the deaths were due to suffocation. The deceased included 5 tourists and the rest were staff members.
There is no relief from the suffocating air in Delhi-NCR. A layer of toxic smog hangs over the capital. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital was recorded at 318 at 7 am on Monday, which falls in the 'very poor' category.
The air quality remained in the 'very poor' category on Sunday as well, and is expected to remain in this zone throughout the week. According to the CPCB data at 4 pm, the 24-hour average Air Quality Index on Sunday was recorded at 308. On Saturday, it was 330 (very poor).
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