West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that Indian citizens are being forcibly pushed into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF). Speaking at a meeting with local officials in Cooch Behar on Monday, Banerjee criticized what she described as 'excessive actions' along the India-Bangladesh border and urged state police to remain active and conduct more checkpoint operations.

Banerjee accused border authorities of harassing residents in the border district, emphasizing that linguistic identity should not be used to question citizenship. She stated that speaking Bengali does not make someone Bangladeshi, drawing parallels with Urdu and Punjabi speakers across India and neighboring countries. Her remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the state government and the BSF over jurisdiction and alleged overreach.

The comments are expected to heighten political friction between the Trinamool Congress and the central government. Analysts suggest the issue could influence border policy debates and community relations in sensitive frontier areas.

Each winter, New Delhi is engulfed in a thick layer of toxic smog that severely impacts public health, sending thousands to hospitals with respiratory illnesses. Despite repeated government pledges to combat air pollution, the Indian capital continues to record some of the world’s highest pollution levels, prompting growing fears that the city may soon become unliveable.

Experts attribute the recurring smog to a combination of vehicle emissions, industrial output, and seasonal crop burning in neighboring states. Residents have expressed frustration over what they see as inadequate enforcement of pollution controls and insufficient investment in cleaner energy alternatives. Environmental activists argue that policy measures have been reactive rather than preventive, with temporary school closures and traffic restrictions offering little long-term relief.

As public pressure mounts, authorities are under increasing scrutiny to deliver tangible improvements. Analysts warn that without systemic reforms and regional cooperation, New Delhi’s air quality crisis could deepen, threatening both economic productivity and the health of over 20 million residents.

India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has canceled around 2,000 flights nationwide, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. The cancellations, caused by pilot shortages and failure to comply with new duty-time regulations, have led to chaos at airports and significant delays. With a 65% share of India’s domestic market, IndiGo’s operational breakdown has had a cascading effect across the country’s aviation network.

The crisis comes as rival Air India, holding 27% of the market, faces scrutiny over poor service and recent safety incidents. The government has temporarily eased pilot fatigue management rules to stabilize operations. Industry experts warn that IndiGo’s dominance—along with Air India’s presence—creates a near-duopoly, leaving the entire sector vulnerable to disruptions. Refund losses have already reached $68 million, and on-time performance has dropped to just 3.7%.

Analysts say the episode highlights structural weaknesses in India’s civil aviation system, where overreliance on a single carrier poses systemic risks. The government may face pressure to diversify competition and strengthen regulatory oversight.

The diamond polishing hub of Surat, India, is facing an unprecedented crisis as new US tariffs and global demand slumps cripple the industry. Once a symbol of upward mobility for rural migrants, the city’s diamond sector has seen massive layoffs, with nearly 400,000 workers affected by job losses, pay cuts, or reduced hours. Families like that of Alpesh Bhai, who once afforded private schooling for their children, are now struggling to cover basic needs after losing stable incomes.

The crisis deepened after the United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian diamond exports, compounding earlier disruptions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and weakened demand in China and the US. Government data show hundreds of children have dropped out or shifted from private to public schools, where education quality remains poor. The Gujarat government’s relief package, covering one year of school fees for unemployed diamond workers’ children, has reached only a fraction of applicants, leaving many excluded.

Union leaders warn of growing mental health distress, with more than 70 suicides among diamond workers reported in 2024. The industry’s recovery remains uncertain, as families continue to bear the social and educational costs of a collapsing export market.

Massive donations have poured in for the proposed Babri Mosque project announced by suspended Trinamool Congress leader Humayun Kabir in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district. Eleven steel donation boxes placed at the foundation-laying event on December 6 filled up within two days. Counting began Sunday night, revealing over ₹37 lakh in cash and ₹93 lakh in online contributions via QR code, with total donations expected to cross several crores.

Kabir, expelled from the TMC following his mosque announcement, claimed that people were donating generously, including contributions from abroad. The counting process is being livestreamed to ensure transparency, with 30 people engaged in tallying funds. Security measures, including CCTV and a dedicated storage room, are being arranged to safeguard the money.

Kabir has declared plans to launch a new political party on December 22 and contest 135 seats in the upcoming state elections. His mosque initiative and political ambitions have drawn both grassroots enthusiasm and scrutiny from state political circles.

Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been arrested along with his wife Shwetambari Bhatt and daughter Krishna in connection with an alleged ₹30 crore financial fraud linked to an IVF-related project. Rajasthan and Mumbai police jointly conducted the operation, detaining the accused from the residence of Bhatt’s sister-in-law. The arrests follow a notice issued by Udaipur police a week earlier, instructing all accused to appear by December 8 and restricting foreign travel without permission.

According to police sources, the complaint was filed by Ajay Murdia, who had planned to produce a biopic about his late wife. Murdia reportedly met Bhatt through Udaipur resident Dinesh Kataria and transferred funds after Bhatt assured him that he would handle the film’s production, involving his wife and daughter. The financial transactions later became disputed, leading to the fraud allegations.

The case has drawn wide attention in the Indian film industry, raising questions about celebrity-led investment schemes and transparency in private film financing. Further investigation is underway to trace the flow of funds and determine the extent of Bhatt’s involvement.

Bollywood filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has been arrested by Rajasthan Police on charges of financial fraud amounting to ₹30 crore. The arrest took place in Mumbai’s Bandra area at the residence of his sister-in-law, following a joint police operation. The case stems from a complaint filed by Dr. Ajay Murdia, a prominent IVF specialist and founder of Indira IVF, who accused Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari of misappropriating funds.

According to the complaint lodged at Udaipur’s Bhupalpura police station, Dr. Murdia had invested around ₹30 crore in several of Bhatt’s film projects, including a proposed biopic on Murdia’s wife. The doctor alleges that Bhatt failed to deliver any of the promised work and did not return the invested money. Police had earlier issued a lookout notice against the couple and restricted their international travel.

Authorities stated that Bhatt will be presented before a Bandra court for a transit remand to facilitate his transfer to Udaipur. The arrest has sparked widespread discussion in the Indian entertainment industry about financial accountability in film financing.

Popular Kolkata-based singer Nachiketa Chakraborty was hospitalized on Saturday evening after developing heart-related complications, prompting the cancellation of his scheduled concert in Asansol on Sunday, December 7. According to hospital sources, the veteran musician is currently in stable condition under medical supervision.

This is not the first time the artist has faced health setbacks affecting his performances. In February 2023, Nachiketa had to cancel another show due to cervical spondylitis, a condition that worsens during winter and with continuous stage activity. Family members and close associates have confirmed that his health had been deteriorating over the past few days before the latest hospitalization.

Fans and fellow musicians have expressed concern and sent wishes for his speedy recovery. Organizers have not yet announced a rescheduled date for the canceled concert, while doctors continue to monitor his condition closely.

A foundation-laying ceremony for the reconstruction of the demolished Babri Mosque in Ayodhya has ignited political and communal tensions in West Bengal. The event, held in Rejinagar, Murshidabad, was organized by suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Humayun Kabir, who described the project as a constitutional right and a step toward healing the wounds of the 1992 demolition. Around 400 people attended the ceremony, which proceeded without reported violence.

The TMC leadership distanced itself from the event, emphasizing that while individuals may build religious structures on private land, exploiting such acts for political gain is unacceptable. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticized the initiative, calling it a politically motivated attempt to consolidate Muslim votes. BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Dilip Ghosh accused the TMC of deliberately stoking communal sentiments ahead of the 2026 state elections.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged citizens to remain vigilant against divisive forces, asserting that Bengal’s tradition of communal harmony must be preserved. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent escalation.

Bhojpuri singer Neha Singh Rathore is facing possible arrest after the Allahabad High Court on Friday, December 6, rejected her anticipatory bail plea. The court’s decision came amid multiple legal cases filed against her across Uttar Pradesh following her remarks questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s responsibility for the Pahalgam attack earlier this year.

Rathore had publicly criticized the government, alleging that national politics has become dominated by religious and nationalist divisions while issues like education and healthcare are being neglected. Her comments went viral, prompting strong backlash from pro-government groups who accused her of defamation and incitement. In response, Rathore defended her statements, asserting her constitutional right to question the government’s handling of public safety and denying that her remarks were inflammatory.

Legal experts note that the case highlights growing tensions between artistic expression and political sensitivity in India. If arrested, Rathore could face prolonged legal proceedings, while the case may further fuel debate over freedom of speech and dissent in the country.

At least 23 people were killed after a devastating fire broke out at a popular nightclub in Arpora, North Goa, around midnight on Saturday. The blaze, which reportedly started due to a gas cylinder explosion, engulfed the venue known as 'Birch by Romeo Lane'. Among the victims were several tourists, and officials confirmed that three people died from burns while others succumbed to smoke inhalation.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the tragedy early Sunday, calling it a painful day for the state. He visited the site and ordered a detailed investigation, promising strict legal action against those found responsible. Police Director General Alok Kumar said all bodies had been recovered and the fire was brought under control.

The incident has raised concerns over fire safety compliance at entertainment venues in tourist-heavy regions like Goa. Authorities are expected to review safety regulations and inspection protocols in the coming days to prevent similar disasters.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s continued stay in India is entirely her personal decision. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit in New Delhi on December 6, Jaishankar emphasized that the circumstances under which Hasina arrived in India have influenced her current situation and will likely shape her future choices.

Responding to a question on whether Hasina could remain in India as long as she wished, Jaishankar noted that such matters depend on the evolving realities surrounding her presence. He reiterated that the ultimate decision rests with Hasina herself, underscoring India’s position of non-interference in her personal choices.

The remarks come amid ongoing speculation about Hasina’s political future and her possible next steps following her departure from Bangladesh. Observers view Jaishankar’s comments as a signal of India’s cautious diplomatic stance, balancing humanitarian considerations with regional political sensitivities.

A massive crowd gathered in Rejinagar, Murshidabad, on December 6 to mark the foundation-laying ceremony for the reconstruction of the Babri Mosque, 33 years after its demolition in Ayodhya. The event, organized by suspended Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir, drew thousands of participants and religious leaders from across India and abroad, including Saudi Arabia. Kabir claimed that nearly 300,000 people would attend, with arrangements made for food and accommodation for tens of thousands.

The initiative has triggered significant political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress suspended Kabir a day before the event, citing disciplinary reasons, while police questioned him regarding the gathering’s security implications. Kabir emphasized that the mosque and associated facilities—including a hospital and university—would be built without government funding to preserve religious sanctity.

Authorities have heightened security in the area amid concerns over communal sensitivity. Observers note that the ceremony’s timing, coinciding with the demolition anniversary, could influence regional political dynamics and interfaith relations in the state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured India of a steady and uninterrupted energy supply, disregarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff pressures. Speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Putin criticized Washington’s stance, questioning the logic of restricting India’s energy imports from Russia while the U.S. itself continues to purchase Russian nuclear fuel.

Putin highlighted the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant as a flagship project of Russia-India cooperation, noting that two of its six reactor units are already connected to the power grid. He expressed optimism that the plant, once fully operational, would significantly bolster India’s energy capacity and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

The assurance comes amid heightened U.S.-India trade tensions, with Trump imposing 50% tariffs on most Indian goods and accusing New Delhi of indirectly funding the Ukraine war through Russian oil purchases—an allegation India firmly denies. Putin concluded his two-day visit to India on Friday, emphasizing long-term energy collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi.

India announced it will soon introduce a 30-day free e-tourist visa and group tourist visa for Russian citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Modi emphasized that the new visa policy reflects the importance of direct engagement between citizens in deepening bilateral relations. He also noted the recent opening of two new Indian consulates in Russia, which are expected to facilitate easier communication and promote cooperation in trade, education, science, and culture. The move follows growing efforts by both nations to expand collaboration beyond defense and energy sectors.

Analysts view the free visa scheme as a strategic gesture to attract Russian tourists amid global travel realignments. It may also enhance India’s soft power and economic ties with Russia, especially as both countries seek to diversify partnerships in a shifting geopolitical landscape.