Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket
India’s ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the end of the third Test match against Australia in Brisbane. The announcement was made during the post-match press conference after the Gabba Test. The spin-master ends his Test career with 537 wickets at an average of 24 in 106 Test matches, the second-highest wicket-taker from India.
Amit Shah’s remark on Ambedkar: Both Houses adjourned for the day amid Opposition protests
Both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned for the day amid noisy protests by Opposition members seeking an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged derogatory remarks against B.R. Ambedkar during his reply to the debate on the Constitution. Mr. Shah, in his speech in the Rajya Sabha yesterday (Dec. 17), had said there is now a “fashion” to keep repeating “Ambedkar, Ambedkar” but if the Opposition had taken God’s name so often, they would have reached heaven. This statement drew widespread condemnation across the country.
PM Modi supports Amit Shah, says ‘Congress’s lies cannot hide its insults to Ambedkar, our reverence for him absolute’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stoutly defended Amit Shah from the Congress’ charge that he insulted B.R. Ambedkar in his speech in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that the Home Minister in fact exposed the party’s “dark history of insulting” the architect of the Constitution, leaving the main opposition “stung and stunned”. When it comes to Mr. Ambedkar, his government’s respect and reverence are absolute, the prime minister asserted.
Simultaneous polls: Priyanka Gandhi, Shrikant Shinde likely to be on joint committee of Parliament
The BJP is considering the names of its seasoned MPs Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nishikant Dubey as nominees for the parliamentary panel that will scrutinise simultaneous poll bills, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Manish Tewari are set to be among the Congress representatives, sources said. Congress MPs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Manish Tewari and Randeep Surjewala are the party’s members for the joint committee of Parliament on simultaneous elections. Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat from Jharkhand is the fourth nominee.
Delhi AQI in ‘severe’ category; remains India’s most polluted city for third day in a row
Delhi continued to be the most polluted place in India – for the third consecutive day – with the overall air quality of the national capital continuing to be in the “severe” category, according to official data. Delhi’s overall 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) was 441 (severe) at 9 a.m. on Wednesday (December 18, 2024), as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
Farmers protest: Supreme Court says Court doors always open and suggestion, demand charter can be brought for discussion
The Supreme Court said that its “doors are open” for farmers protesting at the Delhi borders and asked them to either come directly or through their representatives to present their issues. Continuous meeting were held with Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death protest at Khanauri border, the Punjab Government informed the Supreme Court.
Satellite beams turned off over India: Elon Musk rejects claim Starlink being used in Manipur
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said Starlink satellite beams were turned off over India, reacting to claims that its device was being used in restive Manipur. The security forces recently seized some internet devices along with arms and ammunition during a raid in Keirao Khunou in Imphal East district. Mr. Musk’s Starlink, which provides satellite internet services, does not have a licence to operate in India.
Doval holds talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on peace at borders, restoration of ties
India, China Special Representatives for the border mechanism, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing to discuss a range of issues, including management of peace and tranquillity along LAC and restoration of bilateral ties frozen for over four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh. The SRs’ meeting is regarded as significant as it is the first structured engagement between the two countries to restore relations.
India charges lot of tariff: Donald Trump threatens to impose reciprocal tax
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to impose reciprocal tariffs in retaliation for the high tariff imposed by India on import of certain American products. Mr. Trump made these remarks on Tuesday and also said that India and Brazil were among countries that impose high tariffs on certain U.S. products. He made the remarks while responding to a question on a potential trade agreement with China.
Formulate policy to manage sacred groves, Supreme Court tells Centre
In a judgment, the Supreme Court told the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the management of sacred groves across the country. The recommendation by a Special Bench of Justices BR Gavai, SVN Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta was based on a plea highlighting the vanishing groves of Rajasthan.
J&K: Arms, ammunition recovered from forest area in Kupwara
Security forces have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and narcotics from a forest area near the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said on Wednesday (December 18, 2024). Acting on a specific intelligence input, the army and police launched a joint search operation in Amrohi area of Tangdhar near the LoC on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).
Border Gavaskar Trophy: ‘The runs and partnership in the first innings were good signs’: Pat Cummins
A gripping but weather-beaten Test that wound to a draw was nearly relegated to the background once R. Ashwin announced his retirement. Just as stunned cricket writers grappled with their thoughts, Pat Cummins strode into the press conference hall at the Gabba in Brisbane on Wednesday (December 18, 2024) evening. Pat Cummins admitted to being surprised while reacting to R. Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket.
Published – December 18, 2024 05:43 pm IST
