Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a special review meeting to evaluate safety arrangements for pilgrims at Sabarimala temple amid rising footfalls. With average daily pilgrims surging from 62,000 to 88,000 in December, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure harm prevention. He recommended extending darshan time, limiting spot bookings, adhering to parking schedules, deploying more police forces, and expressing condolences over a child pilgrim's death. Underscoring the government's commitment to pilgrims' well-being, he stressed implementing decisions from prior consultation meetings regarding crowd control and systems for women and children.

On the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and other top leaders paid tribute to the security personnel martyred while defending the temple of democracy against terrorists. President Droupadi Murmu said the nation remains forever indebted to the brave guards who foiled the audacious plot on December 13, 2001 by Pakistan-based outfits, sacrificing their lives. Nine people were killed in the attack before all five terrorists were neutralized. The President and PM reiterated India's resolve to wipe out the menace of terrorism globally. They called the attack a dastardly plan to eliminate India's political leadership that was heroically prevented by security forces.

Ravi Uppal, owner of the Mahadev online betting platform being probed for money laundering worth Rs 6000 crore, has been detained in Dubai based on an Interpol red corner notice by the Enforcement Directorate. Officials are in talks to deport him to India. The agency alleges the Dubai-run platform generated Rs 200 crore daily through a network of franchises and hawala transactions to siphon off proceeds. A cash courier's statement claims over Rs 500 crore was paid to ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, which is also under probe. Several Bollywood celebrities summoned by ED admitted receiving cash payments from Uppal for events. Uppal's detention tightens the noose on the expansive betting and money laundering racket unearthed by Indian agencies.

Amid the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, an oil spill in Chennai sparks a blame game between Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL). The spill in Ennore, home to refineries, raises environmental concerns and compounds challenges for flood-affected locals. TNPCB directs CPCL to map affected areas, implement remedial measures, and faces operational suspension threats for zero leakage. Residents suffer health issues, and CPCL is held liable for compensating affected families. The National Green Tribunal's intervention adds pressure for accountability in this post-cyclone environmental crisis.

The Indian government has presented three redrafted bills in Parliament aiming to replace existing criminal laws. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam bills seek to replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure Act, and Indian Evidence Act. Notable changes include the inclusion of "economic security" in the definition of terrorism. Home Minister Amit Shah stated the decision to reintroduce the bills was based on recommendations from the parliamentary standing committee. The proposed amendments also address issues like the publication of court proceedings revealing identities of victims.

In a late-night scare, Karnataka Raj Bhavan faced a hoax bomb threat as an unidentified caller claimed to have planted an explosive. Responding swiftly, Bengaluru Police dispatched a bomb squad, conducting a thorough search that yielded no evidence. Authorities vow to file an FIR, initiating a second search. This incident follows a recent wave of bomb threats targeting 44 schools in Bengaluru, causing widespread panic. The police, despite suspicions of hoaxes, ensured the safety of students and staff by evacuating threatened institutions. Investigations into both incidents are underway to apprehend the culprits behind these unsettling threats.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan alleges Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's involvement in a plot to harm him, following an incident where his convoy was reportedly attacked by Students Federation of India (SFI) members. The governor claims a deliberate act targeting him, criticizing the alleged involvement of Chief Minister Vijayan. Governor Khan emphasizes the deteriorating state of democracy in Kerala and condemns political disagreement turning into violence. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticizes Vijayan, linking the incident to the state's law and order situation, advocating for a prosperous Kerala without the influence of Congress and Left parties. Seven SFI activists have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Supreme Court's decision upholding the central government's revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status through Article 370. In an article for The Hindu, PM Modi emphasized that the judgment strengthens the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat," highlighting unity and a shared commitment to good governance. The Supreme Court's Constitution Bench validated the 2019 decision, asserting the sovereignty and integrity of India. PM Modi expressed regret over historical confusion and affirmed positive changes in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, promoting development, democracy, and dignity.            

The Narendra Modi-led government has greenlit the introduction of criminal law amendment bills to replace their pre-colonial predecessors. However the Cabinet reportedly disagreed with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on two points pertaining to adultery and homosexuality. The recommendations went against Supreme Court judgments striking down Section 377 on consensual adult gay sex and adultery over privacy, autonomy and gender bias concerns. However, the panel wanted adultery to safeguard marriage's sanctity and 377 to cover non-consensual LGBTQ acts. But the government sided with the SC verdicts, effecting key changes in bringing the criminal code in line with 21st century sensibilities on gender and sexuality.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, "led to separatism," hours after the Supreme Court upheld the Centre's move to revoke it four years ago. "There are other states with more Muslim population than Kashmir. Then why only J&K was suffering from terrorism? It was because Article 370 led to separatism," Shah said, noting the court called it temporary to ease J&K into India. Shah, who announced Article 370's revocation, said the order vindicates the government though Congress disagrees. He argued that mainstreaming J&K has improved lives, as "Kashmiris don't listen to talks of terrorism and separatism" anymore and stone pelting is down with disincentives. adding: "We are close to a terrorism-free Kashmir."