Jammu Kashmir News Updates: Omar Abdullah says no evidence of Jammu and Kashmir benefiting from union territory status

Blinken states that the US has maintained direct contact with a Syrian group that ousted Assad, despite being labeled a terrorist organization, according to AP.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while speaking at the annual conference of the Vishwa Hindu Economic Forum at the Jio Convention Center, stated, "From the first century to the 15th century, even European scholars acknowledge that India's contribution to the world economy was over 40%. India possesses everything. Today, India honors its labor force, whereas in the past, a rich legacy was destroyed by mutilating the hands of workers."

Regarding West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Firhad Hakim's alleged comments on Muslim empowerment in the state, party leader Kunal Ghosh stated, "I have not heard the full statement from Firhad Hakim, so it’s not appropriate to comment on just one remark. In Bengal, we respect all religions and live in harmony. The people of Bengal do not want religious controversies. From what I know, Firhad Hakim emphasized education because the event was related to the Corporation's focus on education. He stressed that education should be prioritized within his community, as it leads to progress and development."

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk congratulated India's newly-crowned FIDE World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, on Saturday. Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest champion ever, defeating China's Ding Liren in the final game of their FIDE World Championship match. On Friday, Gukesh received his FIDE World Championship trophy in recognition of his impressive achievement. Musk posted "Congratulations!" on X in response to Gukesh's update.

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Harivansh Narayan Singh, during the launch of his book 'Samay Ke Sawal' at the Patna Book Fair, stated, "I began my journalism career in 1977. From 1997 to 2017, for nearly 40 years, this book summarizes everything I have written about society, economics, and the world. I would like to express my gratitude to those who have supported me."

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the yearly environmental challenges faced by Delhi due to stubble burning, stressing the need for innovation and systemic solutions rather than leaving it to individuals. Speaking at the National Energy Conservation Day Function 2024 in New Delhi, he said, "Our negligence is putting us at risk in several ways: affecting our health, causing work hours to be lost, disrupting daily life, and most importantly, impacting our children. We must recognize the severity of the situation. For instance, children are unable to attend school due to high pollution levels. Everyone must come together to contribute and help resolve this issue."

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced on Saturday that 5.7 acres of illegal poppy plantations were destroyed in Churachandpur district. He praised the state police, Assam Rifles, and the forest department for their collaborative effort in the Thinghangjang area. In a post on X, Singh expressed appreciation, stating, "Well done to the combined team of Churachandpur Police, 36 AR, CCPur Forest Division, and NAB for their successful operation in the Thinghangjang area under Tuibuong Sub-division. The destruction of about 5.7 acres of illegal cultivation is a significant achievement." The CM further urged, "Let us continue to approach future operations with the same enthusiasm and resolve."

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu confirmed his support for the One Nation, One Election Bill, stating, "Elections should not obstruct development."

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha stated, "The Maai Behin Maan Yojana is not merely an election issue. This scheme was introduced based on the feedback Tejashwi Yadav received during his tour. If women thrive, the entire family prospers. I am very grateful, and there are several other initiatives under consideration."

Abhaya Manch organized a protest and burned an effigy to condemn the CBI's failure to file a supplementary chargesheet in the Abhaya rape-murder case. A protester stated, "Our demand is justice for Abhaya. Today's protest is in response to the CBI's inability to file the chargesheet. We will continue protesting until justice is served."

The Embassy of India in Myanmar tweeted, "Six more Indian nationals trapped at scam compounds in Myawaddy reached the local police station yesterday for further deportation to India. Since July 2024, 101 Indians have been repatriated. We once again advise against accepting job offers in the area without consulting the Missions." The Indian nationals to be repatriated have been identified as Ajay Kumar, Mustafa, Sukhchain, Batchu Manikanta, Samir Ahmad, and Kuldip.

In preparation for the upcoming Delhi Assembly Election 2025, an Inter-State Border Coordination Meeting was held on December 14, 2024, at the Conference Hall of the DCP/South District office. The meeting was chaired by SK Jain, Joint Commissioner of Police (Jt. CP), Southern Range. Its purpose was to enhance cross-border coordination with the neighboring districts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ensure smooth security operations and prevent any disruptions during the election process.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh stated, "In the RG Kar case, the Kolkata police arrested the main accused within 24 hours. Now, people are upset with the CBI's investigation. Those who initially demanded a CBI inquiry are now facing issues. Some individuals have turned the RG Kar case into a spectacle, and those using it for emotional appeal are at fault."

In its chargesheet presented before the NIA Special Court in Jammu, the agency has charged the arrested accused, Hakam Khan, under various sections of the IPC and UA(P) Act. The attack occurred on June 9, 2024, when unidentified terrorists opened fire on a bus near Kanda, close to Jhandi Morh. The attack resulted in the deaths of eight pilgrims and the bus driver, while 41 others were seriously injured. The gunfire caused the driver to lose control after being shot in the head, causing the bus to roll into a deep gorge, leading to the tragic casualties. Following instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs to take over the investigation, the NIA arrested Hakam after a thorough investigation and evidence review. Hakam admitted to being involved in the conspiracy behind the attack, which was carried out by three terrorists with his active logistical support. NIA’s investigation revealed that he had assisted the terrorists by providing food, lodging, and help in identifying the attack location.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that he has yet to find a single example of Jammu and Kashmir benefiting from its status as a Union Territory.

The Combined Graduation Parade took place at the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad, on 14 December 2024, marking the successful completion of the pre-commissioning training for flight cadets from both the Flying and Ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), served as the Reviewing Officer (RO) for the parade and presented the President's Commission to the graduating cadets. A total of 204 cadets graduated, including 178 men and 26 women.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, while addressing the party's General Council Meeting, stated, "We didn’t have the majority to pass a resolution, yet we implemented self-rule without one. Self-rule means de facto freedom in J&K. The delegates here should not be concerned about low seat numbers; this is a test. We never approached the BJP, it was their general secretary who came to speak with us. To lift J&K out of its current struggles, we need to work in the same way we did in 1966."

An IndiGo flight bound for Jeddah was diverted to Karachi on Saturday due to a medical emergency onboard and later returned to Delhi. While the aircraft was in Pakistani airspace, a male passenger fell seriously ill, prompting the plane to make an emergency landing at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. According to Geo News, the passenger was a 55-year-old Indian man. The flight's pilot communicated with Karachi airport's air traffic control after the passenger's condition worsened despite receiving oxygen.

IndiGo is dispatching two planes to Istanbul to bring back passengers who were stranded in the Turkish capital after their flight to Delhi was canceled on Friday due to a technical problem. On Thursday, hundreds of IndiGo passengers were left stranded at Istanbul airport as their flights to Delhi and Mumbai were delayed. They were stuck for more than 24 hours, with many expressing their frustration on social media about the delays and lack of facilities.

Protesting farmers paused their foot march to Delhi for the day after some were injured due to tear gas shelling by Haryana security forces at the Punjab-Haryana border. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher from Punjab stated that both forums had decided to "call back our 'jatha'." Pandher also mentioned that 17-18 farmers were injured in the incident. Farmer leader Manjit Singh Rai alleged that security forces had also used rubber bullets, resulting in one farmer being seriously hurt.

Following the Telangana High Court granting interim bail to actor Allu Arjun, actor Sonu Sood expressed, "I believe the issue has been resolved. As the saying goes, 'all's well that ends well.' I would like to congratulate him. I have also worked with him. This is the life of an actor, with its ups and downs."

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju tweets, "This document is for Rahul Gandhi Ji as he made an incorrect statement in Lok Sabha about Veer Savarkar. Indira Gandhi."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray stated, "Yesterday, Uddhav Thackeray revealed the BJP's fake Hindutva and their election-driven Hindutva. The railway has dismissed the notice issued to Dadar Mandir. Today, we are heading to Dadar Mandir."

Central Railway stated that the railway notice issued against the Hanuman Temple in Maharashtra has been stayed following a request from BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

"Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's name, which signifies transformation ('Jyoti'), carries forward the rich legacy of another great and esteemed son of the country, the late Madhavrao Scindia, who was widely celebrated for his contributions to transformation. He was 'Madhav' to many, including myself, and I was a recipient of his generosity when I entered Parliament in 1989. I am pleased that 'Jyoti' is continuing his legacy for the benefit of the nation," said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during the 50th Foundation Day of the Indian Post & Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Services.

IMD scientist Dr. Soma Sen Roy said, "North-westerly winds are currently blowing, and south-easterly winds will affect North India. Delhi may experience a temperature drop of 1-2 degrees Celsius. A severe cold wave has been observed in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. The cold wave is expected to last for one to two days in North and Central India. However, temperatures are likely to rise around December 16-17."

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on Saturday that he will "never give up" and urged officials to ensure stability in government operations during what he referred to as a "temporary" suspension of his presidency, according to AP reports.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin paid their respects to former Tamil Nadu Congress President EVKS Elangovan, who passed away today at a private hospital in Chennai due to a lung-related illness.

India News Live: Congress workers in Chandigarh protest against electricity department privatization

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has apprehended 32-year-old Anuj, also known as Antu, from Seelampur. The ISC/Crime Branch team successfully captured this notorious robber, who had been on the run in connection with 13 cases across different police stations in Delhi. The operation took six months, involving a pursuit across three states, and he was ultimately arrested in Gujarat.

The Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR air quality has issued a revised plan to tackle winter pollution, asking states to implement stricter measures when the air quality deteriorates and making it mandatory for schools to shift to hybrid learning on days with severe air pollution.

More here.

South Korea's parliament has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law declaration this month.

The National Assembly passed the motion in a 204-85 vote on Saturday.

At the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border, Congress leader and wrestler Bajrang Punia said, "On one hand the government is saying that we are not stopping the farmers, but on the other hand they are using tear gas and other things. It is being treated as if it is Pakistan border. When leaders go to Delhi to protest, do they take permission?...Farmers only want MSP for their crops...We will always support the farmers. The government should fulfill its promises..."

The minimum temperature dropped in most places in Kashmir on Saturday, with the Met office forecasting a cold wave in several places in the valley during the next three days.

Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius -- more than two notches lower than the previous night.

Breaking news live: Police use water canons on protesting farmers

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has charged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with "maintaining silence" over alleged irregularities in a PSC examination, claiming that recent question paper "leaks" in such competitive tests were "state-sponsored".

Farmers begin their 'Dilli Chalo' march from the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu Border; police personnel present at the spot

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Saturday accused the Centre of denying assistance to landslides-affected people of Wayanad due to politics and asserted that there should be no discrimination in times of natural disasters.

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister E V K S Elangovan died due to age-related ailments at a private hospital on Saturday. He was 75.

A motorcyclist sustained injuries after a heavy machine being transported on a trailer fell on him in Vikroli in the early hours of Saturday.

The police have registered a case against the trailer driver for the accident that took place on the Eastern Express Highway at Vikhroli around 4.30 am, an official said.

Actor Rana Daggubati meets Actor Allu Arjun at the latter's residence in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

The farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and KMM have been pressing for various demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP). They have also been pressing the Centre to initiate talks with them to address their issues.

Meanwhile, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's fast unto death at the Khanauri border point entered the 19th day on Saturday. Doctors have already recommended his hospitalisation, saying because of the prolonged fast, he has turned weak.

Breaking news live: 'Jatha' of 101 farmers to resume foot march towards Delhi

Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani has been admitted to an Apollo hospital here, PTI reported.

Advani remains under observation. His condition is "stable".

A 'jatha' of 101 farmers will resume their foot march to Delhi at 12 noon on Saturday from the Shambhu border point to press the Centre for various demands including a legal guarantee for minimum support price.

It will be the third attempt by the protesting farmers to march towards the national capital since December 6. They had earlier made two attempts -- December 6 and December 8 -- but were not allowed to proceed by security personnel in Haryana.

A top U.S. military officer visited Israel from Wednesday to Friday, meeting with Israeli defense officials and discussing the situation in Syria, among other regional topics, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

Two airboats collided with each other Friday afternoon in southwest Florida, injuring more than a dozen people, officials said.

Five people were killed and three others injured after their vehicle hit a truck at the Bokaro-Ramgarh National highway in Jharkhand.

The accident occurred near the Dantu village under Bokaro's Kashmar police station area.

The cabinet expansion of the BJP-led Maharashtra government would take place on December 15, with the new ministers taking the oath of office at a ceremony in Nagpur, PTI reported.

Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister with Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar as his deputies at a grand ceremony in Mumbai on December 5.

Breaking news live: Some schools in Delhi, including DPS RK Puram, receive bomb threat emails

Internet services suspended in parts of Ambala in Haryana in view of the farmers’ march towards Delhi.

Some schools in Delhi, including DPS RK Puram, received bomb threat emails today, says Delhi Police

China's President Xi Jinping will visit Macau from Dec. 18 to 20 to attend the inauguration ceremony of Macau's new government, state media reported.

Donald Trump hosted Apple CEO Tim Cook for a Friday evening dinner at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago resort, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to comment publicly.

Cook is the latest in a string of big tech leaders — including OpenAI's Sam Altman, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon's Jeff Bezos — who have sought to improve their standing with the incoming president after choppy relations with Trump during his first term.

More here.

South Korean lawmakers are set to vote on an opposition-led impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday, two days after Yoon defended his controversial martial law decree and vowed to resist mounting calls for his ouster.

It’ll be the second time for the National Assembly to hold a vote on Yoon’s impeachment motion over his short-lived Dec. 3 martial law introduction. Last Saturday, Yoon survived an impeachment vote after most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a floor vote.

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake shook central Chile on Friday but there were no immediate reports of damage and a tsunami was ruled out.

The quake was felt in the central and northern regions of Chile, including in the capital Santiago. The Chilean National System for Disaster Prevention and Response said there were no reports of damages or emergencies.

Actor Allu Arjun's lawyer Ashok Reddy said, " They received an order copy from High Court but despite that, they didn't release the accused (Allu Arjun)...they will have to answer...this is illegal detention, we will take legal action...as of now he has been released..."

Pushpa actor walks out of Hyderabad prison after getting arrested for Sandhya theatre stampede case.

He was taken to Chanchalguda Central Jail yesterday after a Court sent him to a 14-day remand. Later, he was granted interim bail by Telangana High Court on a personal bond of Rs 50,000.