China ready to enhance mutual trust with India at border talks, foreign ministry says

Israeli airstrikes killed multiple extended families in homes in northern Gaza, with at least 10 confirmed dead in Daraj and 15 believed to be dead or missing in Beit Lahiya. Tanks in the south pushed towards a humanitarian zone, prompting displaced families to flee once again. Israel claims to target militants, while Palestinians accuse them of aiming to depopulate a buffer zone, with no immediate comment from the Israeli military on the strikes. Full Article

The dispute over the legitimacy of a mosque in Uttarkashi continues, with authorities confirming no hate speeches during the recent Mahapanchayat, emphasizing peaceful conduct and communal harmony. Petitioners argue the mosque's 55-year history and plan to provide evidence of Waqf jurisdiction to the High Court, while expressing concerns about external pressures post-Mahapanchayat. Ishtiyak Ahmed, president of the Jama Masjid Committee, highlights the ongoing tensions and potential influences in the case. Full Article

Indonesia and India are exploring collaboration in defence technology as Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met with Indonesian military officials to discuss enhancing strategic ties and bilateral cooperation. The Indonesian Defence Minister expressed interest in working together to improve Indonesia's defence technology, acknowledging India's progress in developing indigenous technologies to support its Navy. Discussions also focused on strengthening maritime cooperation and expanding defence relations between the two countries. Full Article

On December 16, Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M ordered a 30-minute standing punishment for officials in the residential plot department who neglected an elderly couple seeking assistance, as seen in CCTV footage showing the couple waiting for 50 minutes. The CEO, after reviewing the footage and noticing the couple standing for an additional 15-20 minutes without help, imposed the standing penalty on the officials to make them understand the challenges faced by the elderly, with...

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in China to participate in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi aimed at restoring bilateral ties after a four-year standstill due to the Ladakh military standoff. China expressed readiness to honor commitments made by Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping to enhance mutual trust and promote steady growth in bilateral relations through dialogue and communication during the Special Representatives' meeting. The talks will focus on rebuilding ties...

In 2024, 60 nations held elections, with major upsets seen in India's Lok Sabha elections, including Smriti Irani's loss in Amethi and Yusuf Pathan's victory over Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Other surprises included Rambhual Nishad defeating Maneka Gandhi, Ajay Mishra Teni's defeat in Lakhimpur Kheri, and Omar Abdullah's loss to Engineer Rashid. Additionally, YSR Congress Party faced a historic defeat in Andhra Pradesh, the Maha Vikas Aghadi lost in Maharashtra, and Naveen Patnaik was unseated in...