The Mumbai Police has filed FIRs against the directors of popular ride-hailing services Rapido and Ola for allegedly operating bike taxi services without proper licenses or permissions. This has sparked a social media frenzy with the hashtag #MumbaiNeedsBikeTaxi trending and users calling for the city to embrace these services again. Many see bike taxis as a necessity, especially for workers and students, and are pleading for the ban to be reversed.
A Delhi-based lawyer has filed a revision petition challenging a magistrate court's refusal to direct the filing of an FIR against former Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The petition alleges that her name was included in the voter list before she acquired Indian citizenship, prompting the Rouse Avenue Court to issue notices to both Sonia Gandhi and the Delhi Police. The court has sought replies from both parties, with the next hearing scheduled for January 6, 2026.
The much-awaited discussion on electoral reforms in India's Winter Session of Parliament has finally begun on Day 7. Opposition leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi, have been demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, accusing the government of targeting marginalized communities. Meanwhile, the government maintains that the SIR is necessary to clean up and ensure accurate voter lists. As Parliament debates this important issue, the discussion is expected to shape public trust in India's electoral system. Later today, Rajya Sabha will also hold a debate on Vande Mataram.
Day seven of the Parliament Winter Session saw high activity with discussions on the SIR voter-roll revision and a special 10-hour debate on Vande Mataram led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Rajya Sabha is gearing up for a similar session today with Union Home Minister Amit Shah taking the lead. Amidst protests, opposition parties are demanding discussions on the alleged misuse of the SIR process to remove voters from marginalized communities.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the significance of the national song Vande Mataram in the Lok Sabha. He expressed his disappointment with the Congress for not standing up to Muhammad Ali Jinnah's opposition to the song during the freedom struggle. PM Modi highlighted the song's lasting impact on India's collective consciousness and its relevance in the current political climate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech during the winter session of Parliament ignited a debate on the 150th anniversary of India's national song, Vande Mataram. PM Modi criticized the Congress for dropping four stanzas of the song and appeasing a particular community, while the Opposition questioned the relevance of the discussion. Modi also highlighted how the song played a crucial role in the freedom struggle and was a symbol of national unity and resolve.
The Maval constituency in Maharashtra has become a battleground for two Shiv Sena candidates, Shrirang Barne and Sanjog Waghere Patil. At the latest count, Barne is leading by 16245 votes, but the race is still close. Maval constituency, which was created in 2008, has six Vidhan Sabha segments and is a key seat in the state. The live results for the constituency are being updated and the final winner will be announced soon.
In a heated discussion in Parliament, DMK MP A. Raja questioned the interpretation and legacy of the national song Vande Mataram. Citing a letter from Jawaharlal Nehru to Subhas Chandra Bose, Raja argued that opposition to the song had deeper historical roots and cannot be dismissed as anti-national sentiment. He also accused the ruling BJP of politicizing the issue and raised questions about the song's role in India's Partition. Despite acknowledging its significance in the freedom movement, Raja emphasized the need to address present-day sensitivities surrounding Vande Mataram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fierce attack on the Congress and the Gandhi-Nehru lineage during a discussion in the Lok Sabha, blaming them for not giving due recognition to the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. The ongoing chaos at IndiGo airline with over 300 flight cancellations was also addressed, with the government assuring assistance. The absconding owner of the Goa club, where a fire tragedy occurred, has finally spoken up.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the BJP of using the Vande Mataram debate in Lok Sabha as a means to shift attention from crucial public issues. She alleged that the Modi government is indulging in "event management" and ignoring the contributions of the Congress. Gandhi also criticized Prime Minister Modi for being weak on facts and not properly contextualizing Jawaharlal Nehru's letter on Vande Mataram. She urged the government to focus on finding solutions to the problems of the people, rather than trying to divert attention through unnecessary debates.