French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has strongly stated that the European Union will not tolerate any nation attacking its sovereign borders, in response to US President-elect Donald Trump's comments about his intentions to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Barrot expressed doubts about the possibility of the US actually invading Greenland, but urged the EU to be vigilant and strengthen its position. Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., recently made a private visit to Greenland, shortly after his father's controversial comments. However, Greenland's government has made it clear that the territory is not for sale and its future will be determined by Greenlanders alone.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines for the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. These new regulations aim to bring flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression in Indian higher education institutions. They also align with the goals of the New Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and place emphasis on Indian languages and interdisciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the guidelines include specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama to attract the best talent and preserve India's cultural heritage.
In a media interaction, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his disapproval of the hybrid model of governance in the Union Territory, stating that dual centres of power are not effective tools for governance. He also addressed other issues, such as differences of opinion and reservation protests, reiterating the need for a single centre of command for better functioning of the system. The chief minister also discussed the recent controversy over land acquisition for a campus of the National Institute of Technology, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between development and protecting productive agriculture land.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is hopeful for the restoration of statehood and promises to fulfil all the promises made to the people during his five-year term. He also assures improved infrastructure and electricity situation in the Union Territory. Regarding the recent allegations of recruitment scam, he calls for a fair investigation and assures that deserving candidates will receive justice.
India's space agency, ISRO, successfully launched the PSLV C60 mission, placing two spacecraft into the desired orbit. This accomplishment brings India closer to joining an elite group of nations capable of space docking and reinforces its position as a global leader in space exploration technology. The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, lauded the ISRO team for their incredible achievement, stating that this success marks a new era for India in the field of space docking.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lead an event on December 25th to inaugurate over 10,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (M-PACS), dairy, and fisheries cooperatives, emphasizing on the significance of the cooperative sector in boosting self-reliance and financial inclusion. The event will feature distribution of registration certificates, RuPay Kisan Credit Cards, and micro ATMs to empower rural communities. With over 1,200 delegates expected to attend, the conference will serve as a platform to strategize strengthening of cooperatives and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Download Krishi Jagran Mobile App for more updates on the Latest Agriculture News, Agriculture Quiz, Crop Calendar, Jobs in Agriculture, and more.
During the 55th GST Council meeting, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax on rice kernels has been reduced from 18% to 5%, while life-saving gene therapy will now be exempt from tax. Additionally, parts used in manufacturing surface-to-air missiles will continue to be exempt from GST. However, the tax rate on caramelised popcorn has been increased to 18%, citing its harmful effects on health. The Finance Minister also clarified that payment aggregators will be eligible for exemptions, but this does not apply to payment gateways and fintech services.
The Congress party has demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for defending Union Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks about Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Party leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of behaving in a fascist manner and expressed disappointment that no FIR has been filed in their complaint about the incident involving BJP and Congress MPs. Tiwari also highlighted the disrespectful and insulting tone of Amit Shah's speech, and Gogoi revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has requested an inquiry into the incident where he fell due to the actions of BJP MPs.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called for the release of CCTV footage showing the alleged physical altercation between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a BJP MP in the Parliament complex. Baghel also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his 'inflammatory' comments regarding Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have refuted the accusations and retaliated with their own complaint. Baghel also expressed concerns over the law and order situation in Chhattisgarh under the BJP government.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called out Union Minister Amit Shah for his disparaging remarks about B R Ambedkar, stating that Shah would have been a "scrap dealer" if not for the Constitution. Amidst din in the assembly, Siddaramaiah said Shah's words reflect the true opinion of the BJP and Sangh Parivar about Ambedkar. He also congratulated Shah for openly revealing their innermost thoughts. The House was adjourned twice as both the Congress and BJP MLAs sparred over the issue.