Top news of the day: Gukesh becomes youngest World Chess Champion; Supreme Court directs Centre to file response to Places of Worship Act within four weeks, and more

The major news headlines of the day and more.

India’s Gukesh becomes youngest World chess champion

Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh on Thursday (December 12, 2024) became the youngest world chess champion at 18 years after beating title-holder Ding Liren of China in the 14th and last game of a thrilling showdown in Singapore.

Places of Worship Act: Supreme Court directs Centre to file response within four weeks

The Supreme Court on Thursday (December 12, 2024) directed the Union Government to file its counter-affidavit within four weeks. “We want the Union Goverment’s response to be on record. Most of the issues here are legal,” Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna said. 

Union Cabinet nod to bills for simultaneous polls, say sources

The Union Cabinet on Thursday (December 12, 2024) approved Bills to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’, and the draft legislations are likely to be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing Winter session, sources said.

India’s retail inflation eases to 5.5% in November from a 14-month high

India’s retail inflation cooled a bit to 5.5% in November from a 14-month high of 6.2% in October but remained significantly elevated for rural consumers at 5.95%, while it dropped to 4.8% for their urban counterparts.

Opposition raises concerns over simultaneous polls; BJP, allies say burden on exchequer will be lessened

Opposition parties on Thursday (December 12, 2024) raised concerns over bills cleared by the government for holding simultaneous elections and said larger consultations are required while ruling NDA leaders asserted the burden on the exchequer will be lessened.

Bengaluru techie death case: Mother-in-law flees Jaunpur home, no contact yet between U.P.-Karnataka cops

The mother-in-law and the brother-in-law of techie Atul Subhash, who ended his life in Bengaluru, fled their home in Jaunpur on Thursday (December 12, 2024), even as Uttar Pradesh Police said they were yet to receive any official communication from Karnataka.

Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan and wife indicted in another graft case: reports

A Pakistani court indicted imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife on fresh charges of illegally selling State gifts on Thursday, (December 12, 2024) local broadcaster Geo reported.

Hema Committee report: SC agrees to hear women who do not want to prosecute

The Supreme Court on Thursday (December 12, 2024) agreed to hear two women who have urged protection from being compelled to participate in a prosecution linked to the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual harassment and abuse in the Malayalam film industry.

Industrial output grows 3.5% in October

India’s industrial output grew at a three-month high pace of 3.5% in October 2024, from 3.1% in September. Again, factories led the uptick with a 4.1% rise. The factory output, measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), witnessed a growth of 11.9% in October 2023.

Panchamasali agitation: Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad denies allegations of ‘planned’ lathi charge

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has denied allegations that the State government had planned a lathi charge on the activists who participated in the Panchamasali reservation agitation committee protest in Belagavi on Tuesday (December 10, 2024). 

BJP’s list of probable ministers ready, central leaders to take final call: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday (December 12, 2024) said the names of the probable ministers from the BJP in his cabinet have been shortlisted and the final decision will be taken by the party’s central leadership.

Widespread rain in southern districts of Tamil Nadu

Widespread rainfall since late Wednesday (December 11, 2024) night across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu led to the district administrators announcing a holiday for schools in Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi on Thursday (December 12).

Permanent solution to Manipur crisis will take time due to fragile situation: CM Biren Singh

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday (December 12, 2024) said the Centre and the State governments are making all efforts to bring a permanent solution to the ongoing crisis in the State, but suggested that it could take time due to the fragile nature of the situation.

Indian team prepares at The Gabba ahead of third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test

Pant, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar, part of the current squad, played that game together, while the then coach, Ravi Shastri, is back Down Under as a commentator and columnist. Obviously, there was hope in the air when Rohit ’s men got into a huddle under deep blue skies in Brisbane on Thursday (December 12) morning.

Published - December 12, 2024 06:59 pm IST