Jammu Kashmir National Front banned by govt under UAPA
The government banned the Jammu Kashmir National Front led by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, a constituent of the hardline Hurriyat Conference, declaring it an unlawful association. It has been involved in supporting terrorist activities, anti-India propaganda, fuelling secessionism, and providing logistic support to terrorists. The ban will be in effect for five years. Key Points
Economic TimesEXO’s Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen will begin individual activities with INB100
SM Entertainment said that all eight members of EXO will continue activities together as part of the group. They will greet fans through EXO’s fan meeting. Key Points
Hindustan TimesBLACKPINK won't renew individual contracts for solo projects with group agency
YG Entertainment said that they ‘will do our utmost to support BLACKPINK’s activities’. The group comprises Jisoo, Jennie, Rose, and Lisa. Key Points
Hindustan TimesWhite House proposes transportation, commerce agencies handle new space regulations
The Biden administration on Wednesday released a long-awaited proposal to split regulatory powers over emerging private-sector space activities between the U.S. transportation and commerce departments, according to a draft legislative proposal. Key Points
ReutersHousing societies can collect mandatory charges from residents for cultural and recreational programmes: H
The Bombay High Court has ruled that housing societies in India can collect charges for cultural and recreational activities. The court emphasized the importance of social and cultural activities for housing societies and clarified that these activities are part of their objectives. The ruling stated that housing societies can set up a cultural fund and collect contributions from sources other than society profits. Key Points
Economic Times
Govt bans J&K Tehreek-e-Hurriyat under UAPA for trying to 'establish Islamic rule'
Once headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat J&K declared an ‘unlawful association’. Outfit involved in 'activities to separate J&K from India', says Amit Shah. Key Points
ThePrintDelhi faces stringent anti-pollution measures as air quality plummets to 'severe' levels
Delhi Pollution: The CAQM has imposed Stage-III restrictions of GRAP to address the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. The measure includes a ban on non-essential construction work and Bharat Stage-III petrol and Bharat Stage-IV diesel vehicles. Stone crushers, mining activities, and construction and demolition activities are also closed. Key Points
Economic TimesHindus halt auspicious activities during the month of Kharmas: Here's why
Kharmas month begins today, December 16. Know all the details about this period and why it is suggested to halt auspicious activities. Key Points
Hindustan TimesSeeking work-family balance? Discover parenting tips for busy working parents
Finding balance between work and parenthood can be challenging. Here are some essential tips to help working parents navigate this dynamic juggle successfully. Key Points
Hindustan TimesSudoku, backward walking can keep brain healthy, prevent Alzheimer's disease
Once Alzheimer's disease sets in, halting its progression is challenging. Doctors recommend engaging in brain activities to prevent this neurological disorder. Key Points
India Today
From Pakistan, with love: Indian embassy staff arrested in Moscow on suspicion of being ISI agent
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Satendra Siwal, an employee of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, for allegedly spying for the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI. Siwal is accused of providing Pakistan with confidential information on India's Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, and military establishments. The ATS investigation reveals Siwal's involvement in anti-India activities with ISI handlers, posing a threat to India's internal and external security. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt extends ban imposed on terror group SIMI for 5 years
The government extended the ban on SIMI for five years due to its involvement in terrorism and disturbing peace. Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared SIMI an 'Unlawful Association' for five more years under the UAPA. SIMI has been continuously engaging in subversive activities and re-organizing absconding activists. Key Points
Economic TimesUK will let those on tourist visas work in the country from the new year
From January 31, 2024, the UK will revise Visitor Visas, permitting remote work but emphasizing non-work intent. Changes include client work, working from the UK, and expanded activities for professionals. These aim to boost business and tourism. Key Points
Economic TimesMuslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) declared as ‘unlawful’ for ‘anti-national activities’
The Centre has declared the organisation as 'unlawful association' under UAPA. Union home minister Amit Shah says it was inciting people 'to establish Islamic rule in J&K'. Key Points
ThePrintParliament should send strong message that country will not accept pro-Khalistani activities: Priyanka Cha
Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns about growing pro-Khalistani activities abroad, urging robust action in Parliament against threats to India's security. She emphasized diplomatic threats faced in Canada, urging stringent measures and extradition of such terrorists. Other members highlighted diverse issues, including uniform LPG prices, migrant worker welfare, military training for students, and challenges faced by tea garden workers and the handloom sector. Key Points
Economic Times
Here is govt's big plan to stop online frauds in India
The government is taking steps to combat cyber fraud in the financial sector by blocking IMEI and imposing withdrawal limits on suspicious accounts. Representatives from RBI, TRAI, NPCI, and the Ministry of Information Technology discussed the need to address 'inert' and 'mule' bank accounts, which are often used in fraudulent activities. Key Points
Economic TimesUS sanctions 3 Chinese firms for ‘supplying materials’ to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme
Pakistan reportedly has 170 nuclear warheads. US State Dept claims firms were 'materially contributing to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery’. Key Points
ThePrintGlobal rules proposed for crypto asset firms
The recommendations, issued at the direction of G20, also revised its existing recommendations for stablecoins. The FSB published the final proposals requested by the G20 on supervising firms that trade cryptoassets such as bitcoin. However, the recommendations focus on risks to financial stability and do not comprehensively cover all specific risk categories related to crypto asset activities. Key Points
Economic TimesAnnamalai University gets ₹50 crore grant under RUSA 2.0 scheme
Annamalai University has received a grant of ₹50 crore for its development activities under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2.0 scheme. Key Points
The HinduIndia flags pro-Khalistan activities with UK at 5th Home Affairs Dialogue
The Indian delegation was led by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and the UK delegation by Permanent Secretary, Home Office, Matthew Rycroft. The meeting was attended by many senior officials of both the countries. Key Points
The Indian Express
The High Seas Treaty: Key provisions, and the challenges it faces
The nations of the world have agreed on a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of resources in the open oceans that lie beyond national territorial jurisdictions. This is why the agreement is a critical step forward in saving the planet — and also why it is important to temper expectations. Key Points
The Indian ExpressLok Sabha election on April 16? After letter goes viral, a clarification from Delhi Chief Electoral Office
Lok Sabha election date vial letter: The Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, clarified that a letter indicating April 16 as a tentative poll date for Lok Sabha Election 2024 was for advance planning purposes. After the letter went viral, the CEO explained on social media that it served as a reference in the Election Commission of India (ECI) Planner, outlining activities and dates. The mentioned date was solely for planning, and it has no bearing on the actual election schedule, which will be announced by the Election Commission of India . Key Points
Economic TimesWomen need less exercise than men for same benefits; top heart health exercises
Women may be getting more health benefits from their workouts compared to men, said a new research. Here's top cardiovascular workouts for ladies. | Health Key Points
Hindustan TimesGovt bans 9 Meitei extremist groups for five years
The Indian government has taken firm action against nine Meitei extremist groups operating in Manipur, as announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The official notification, issued on Monday, imposes a five-year ban on these organizations, including prominent ones such as the Peoples' Liberation Army (PLA) and its political counterpart Revolutionary Peoples' Front (RPF), as well as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and its armed wing Manipur Peoples' Army (MPA). Key Points
Economic TimesAll you need to know about Centre's ‘Chakshu’ and ‘DIP’ platforms to combat online fraud
The Chakshu portal introduced under the Sanchar Sathi initiative allows users to report fraudulent activities, preventing losses of approximately ₹1000 crore. ₹1008 crore frozen in bank accounts linked to fraud. Key Points
mint
EXO's D.O. leaves agency after 12 years, Suho assures fans against disbandment
EXO consists of Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun. D.O. is the first member to leave their agency. Key Points
Hindustan TimesRussia's VTB plays down impact of aborted mutiny on financial stability
Russia's No. 2 lender on Tuesday said it was on track to post record profits this year and played down the impact of the weekend's aborted mutiny by heavily armed mercenaries on its activities and the wider economy. Key Points
ReutersFinancial pros seek clarity after PMLA ambit gets wider
Chartered Accountants, Cost and Management Accountants, and Company Secretaries have stated the Notification released by India's finance ministry on Tuesday extended the scope of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, adding an extra level of complexity to their work. Experts argue that defining terms, including formation agent and arranging for another person , remains unclear. Key Points
Economic TimesWe should be ready for polls: Tarun Chugh to BJP J&K core panel
A detailed discussion was held on various organisational activities to be started in upcoming days and reach out to beneficiaries of various welfare schemes of the central government, he said. In the meeting, as per the feedback received from the ground, people have been availing benefits of the Centre's welfare schemes and their is a positive environment of the Centre's governance, he claimed. Key Points
Economic Times