Defending Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's statement to lift the hijab ban, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said the Congress government is working "as per the law and framework of the Constitution." The previous BJP government in the State had imposed a hijab ban on students in educational institutions. "Any policy detrimental to Karnataka's development will be reviewed and removed if necessary," Kharge stated. The decision was termed "hasty" by ex-CM BS Yediyurappa to "appease Muslims." CM Siddaramaiah had announced withdrawing the order, stating "The choice of clothes is one's own prerogative." The Congress government maintained it is following the Constitution by removing the previous BJP regime's ban. Yediyurappa criticized it as appeasement politics, but Siddaramaiah asserted it upholds individual rights and choice.

Air India's first wide-body aircraft, the A350 adorned with a new livery, landed at Delhi Airport on Saturday. Air India will induct a total of six A350 planes and is the first Indian carrier to have this aircraft type. But regulatory clearances including including customs clearance, various DGCA checks on equipment, and a series of ground tests and proving flights, are needed before passenger operations. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said short sectors will first be operated to familiarize pilots under instructors' guidance and build a pool for long-haul flights. The remaining A350s will join the fleet in mid-2024, Wilson stated. The arrival marks a new milestone for Air India as it modernizes its fleet with advanced wide-body aircraft.

In response to heavy rainfall causing the overflow of Srivaikuntam dam in Thoothukudi district, the Indian Air Force initiated its fifth day of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Over 11 tons of relief materials were air-dropped across 12 locations in Thoothukudi, bringing the total to 59 tons. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin assured comprehensive measures for the welfare of affected residents, stating that 12,653 people had been rescued and were housed in 14 relief camps. The state, in collaboration with the Centre, continues extensive rescue and relief efforts in the flood-affected regions.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya could miss the upcoming IPL 2024 season due to an ankle injury, NDTV sources confirmed on Saturday. Hardik was traded from Gujarat Titans to MI ahead of the auction after being initially retained by GT. He was set to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 replacing long-standing captain Rohit Sharma. Pandya had played seven seasons of IPL for Mumbai before being released before the 2022 season. After joining Gujarat Titans, Pandya led the side to back-to-back IPL finals, including earning them the trophy in their debut season. But the latest injury doubt puts his IPL participation in jeopardy. Hardik has been out since hurting his ankle in a World Cup match against Bangladesh. He will also miss the upcoming T20Is against Afghanistan. 

A drone strike caused an explosion and fire on an Israel-affiliated merchant ship in the Indian Ocean on Saturday but no casualties were reported, maritime agencies said. The attack on the Liberia-flagged tanker off India's coast wasn't claimed but caused a fire aboard, per the UK Maritime Trade Operations and Ambrey security firm. UKMTO said the "Israel-affiliated" ship was hit by an Uncrewed Aerial System and is being investigated. The incident comes after the Indian Navy helped evacuate an injured sailor from a hijacked Malta ship in the Arabian Sea where "pirates" had boarded. While no one was hurt in the mysterious drone strike, it represents a concerning attack on a commercial ship in Indian waters.

Amidst the extradition proceedings of Nikhil Gupta, charged in the US for a foiled plot to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the Czech Ministry of Justice asserts that India has "no jurisdiction" in the matter. Gupta's family had approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention. The spokesperson clarified that Indian judicial authorities lack jurisdiction, addressing concerns raised in the Supreme Court petition. The Ministry denies claims of Gupta's inadequate legal representation, emphasizing Czech legislation. It refutes allegations of restricted consular contact and inappropriate diet in prison. Extradition proceedings continue after the US charged Gupta with conspiring to kill Pannun.

A major infiltration bid in Jammu's Khour sector faced a dramatic twist as the Indian Army engaged four terrorists. Pakistani forces set forests ablaze to divert attention during the operation. Security forces, detecting the move on surveillance devices, initiated a fierce gunfight resulting in the death of one terrorist. Shockingly, associates dragged the deceased terrorist's body back across the International Border. This incident unfolds shortly after a terrorist attack in the Rajouri sector claimed the lives of four Army personnel. The White Knight Corps acknowledges the foiled infiltration, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in the volatile region. [Representative Image]

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar condemns the defacement of Swaminarayan Mandir in California with anti-India and pro-Khalistani slogans. Jaishankar stated "Extremists, separatists, and such forces (against India) should not be given space in foreign lands." The Indian Consulate in San Francisco expresses concern, urging a swift US investigation and action against vandals. The Hindu American Foundation notes the hate crime nature of the incident. Jaishankar also addresses consular assistance for Indian national Nikhil Gupta facing charges in the Czech Republic. Gupta, accused in a plot against a Sikh separatist, has received consular access. The Czech government asserts jurisdiction, complicating India's intervention. The US seeks Gupta's extradition.

Renowned motivational speaker Vivek Bindra faces serious allegations of domestic violence filed by his brother-in-law in Noida. The complaint details a disturbing incident on December 7 at Supernova West Residency, where Bindra allegedly assaulted his wife, Yanika, leaving visible wounds. The heated altercation involving Bindra, his mother, and Yanika escalated, with the assault captured in a viral video. The FIR reveals the assault occurred just hours after their December 6 wedding, where Bindra reportedly verbally abused, physically assaulted Yanika, and damaged her phone. Bindra, also embroiled in a scam controversy, denies all allegations.

India witnessed its highest single-day spike with 752 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising the total tally to 4.50 crore. The death toll climbed to 5,33,332, including four new fatalities reported in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Karnataka within the last 24 hours. The country's recovery rate stands at 98.81%, with 4,44,71,212 people recovered. The fatality rate is 1.19%. The health ministry reports the administration of 220.67 crore COVID vaccine doses. As India grapples with this surge, health authorities emphasize vaccination efforts to curb the virus's impact, underscoring the importance of public adherence to preventive measures.