Gig workers extend nationwide strike till Dec 31
A nationwide strike by platform-based gig workers was extended till Dec 31, with delivery personnel across India continuing protests led by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union.
The union has sought urgent government intervention, alleging systemic exploitation and exclusion of gig workers from labour protections, and warned that neglecting their rights could hurt long-term economic growth.
Jaishankar attends former Bangladesh PM’s funeral
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Dhaka on Dec 31 to attend the state funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia amid strained bilateral ties.
Mrs Khaleda, Bangladesh’s first woman prime minister, died at 80 after prolonged illness. The Bangladesh government announced three days of state mourning, with full state honours planned for her burial.
Central govt rolls out spectrum plan for 5G, 6G networks
The Department of Telecommunications has earmarked around 700MHz of spectrum in the 6GHz band for 5G, advanced 5G, and future 6G services under the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025.
The policy also allocates spectrum for satellite communications, in-flight connectivity, and emerging technologies, creating a legal framework for next-generation telecom and defence applications.
Blinding fog cripples Delhi, North India as flights disrupted again
Dense fog continued to blanket Delhi and parts of north India on Dec 31, sharply reducing visibility and disrupting flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Operations were conducted under CAT III conditions, with delays expected. Schools in Delhi, Noida, Jharkhand, and Bihar remain closed due to severe cold, while authorities urged passengers to check flight updates.
Amit Shah sounds 2026 poll bugle in Bengal, Mamata hits back
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata, accusing the West Bengal government of corruption and infiltration while pledging to expel illegal immigrants ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back, questioning the Central government’s national security record and citing recent terror incidents.
Navy sails into history with ancient-style stitched vessel
The Indian Navy has launched the maiden Indian Ocean voyage of Kaundinya, a 20-metre wooden stitched ship inspired by fifth-century designs.
Built using coconut coir rope instead of nails, the vessel set sail from Gujarat on a 1,400km journey to Oman, retracing ancient maritime trade routes and highlighting India’s historic role in Indian Ocean navigation.
Kolkata’s iconic trams near final stop
Kolkata’s 152-year-old tram network is on the verge of shutdown as the West Bengal government plans to retain only a short heritage route.
Once Asia’s largest tram system, it now operates just two routes.
The move has sparked legal challenges and public opposition, with residents and heritage groups fighting to preserve the city’s iconic transport symbol.
Four dead after BEST bus hits pedestrians in Mumbai
Four people were killed, and nine injured after a BEST bus reversed into pedestrians in Mumbai’s Bhandup area on Dec 29.
Police said the driver lost control while reversing at the route endpoint.
Emergency teams and senior officials rushed to the spot, and the injured were hospitalised. An investigation into the accident is underway.
India Seeks US$30 billion from Reliance, BP over gas output dispute
The Indian government is seeking over US$30 billion (S$38.6 billion) from Reliance Industries and British Petroleum in an arbitration case over alleged underproduction from offshore gas fields in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
Final arguments concluded in November, with a verdict expected in mid-2026. Reliance denied the claim, calling the reported figure factually incorrect and sub judice.
India imposes three-year tariff on steel imports
India has imposed safeguard duties of 11–12 per cent on certain steel imports for three years to curb cheap shipments, particularly from China.
The tariff will gradually reduce each year and excludes speciality steel and imports from some developing countries.
The move aims to protect domestic producers from sub-standard and low-cost imports.
Trains collide inside tunnel in Uttarakhand, 60 injured
Around 60 people were injured when two loco trains collided inside a tunnel at the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydroelectric project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Dec 30.
Officials said 109 people were on board and all were rescued. Ten injured were shifted to a district hospital, with authorities confirming all are stable.
10,000 displaced by Manipur violence resettled, says chief secretary
Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said nearly 10,000 people displaced by ethnic violence since May 2023 have been resettled under a phased rehabilitation plan.
The Central government has allocated Rs573 crore (S$82 million) for relief and resettlement.
The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities has killed at least 260 people.
Silver hits record Rs241,000 per Kg in Delhi
Silver prices surged to a record Rs241,000 per kg in Delhi on Dec 30, tracking strong global cues and industrial demand.
Analysts attributed silver’s rise to supply constraints and demand from solar, electronics, and data centres, while warning that short-term volatility may cap further gains.
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31 Dec 2025 12:06
