News Headlines Today: 25 December 2024
Welcome to today’s news roundup for 25 December 2024. From significant political developments and economic updates to the latest in entertainment and sports, we bring you the most important stories shaping the world today. Stay informed with concise reports on key events, trends, and announcements from across the globe.
Also Read: News Headlines 24 December 2024
Lokpal Summons SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch Over Corruption Allegations
The anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal has summoned SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch for an oral hearing next month to address corruption allegations leveled against her. The complaints, which include submissions from TMC MP Mahua Moitra, stem from a Hindenburg Research report accusing Buch of financial misconduct and potential conflicts of interest. The complainants have also been asked to appear for the hearing.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla Appointed as Manipur Governor
Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, has been named the new Governor of Manipur. Bhalla, a 1984-batch IAS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, served as Union Home Secretary from August 2019 until his tenure ended in August 2024. A native of Jalandhar, Punjab, he succeeds Lakshman Prasad Acharya in the gubernatorial role.
Rahul Gandhi Backs Ishrat Jahan for Delhi Assembly Elections
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reportedly proposed Ishrat Jahan, accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case, as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. During a party meeting, Gandhi highlighted Jahan’s dedication to the Okhla constituency, noting her hard work and past imprisonment. The Congress is considering fielding the former Delhi councillor in Okhla.
AAP Holds Shah, Puri Responsible for Rohingya Settlement in India
Amid the ongoing political dispute between the BJP and AAP over the settlement of Rohingya refugees, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar has held Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri accountable. “If Rohingyas are present anywhere in the country, Amit Shah is directly responsible as the Home Minister,” she stated. Kakkar further argued that if Rohingyas are found in Delhi, the responsibility rests squarely with Hardeep Singh Puri.
Nehru Opposed Ambedkar's Inclusion in Constituent Assembly: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Amid political controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath alleged that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, opposed Ambedkar’s inclusion in the Constituent Assembly. “Baba Saheb Ambedkar faced repeated insults from Congress and other opposition parties,” Adityanath claimed, emphasizing that the BJP has consistently honored Ambedkar’s legacy.
Rohingyas Are 'Enemies of India,' Opposition Protecting Them: BJP Leader Parvesh Verma
BJP leader Parvesh Verma labeled Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas as “enemies of India” and accused opposition parties, including AAP, Congress, and TMC, of supporting them. “AAP MLAs in Delhi actively back these infiltrators and even arrange legal assistance for them if necessary,” Verma alleged. Earlier, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal stated that his party would not allow the BJP to settle Rohingyas in Delhi.
Govt's 'Udaan Yatri Cafe' Offers Affordable Food and Drinks at Airports
The Central government has introduced the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ initiative to provide affordable tea and food items at airports across the country. The first cafe, inaugurated at Kolkata airport, offers water and tea for ₹10 each, while coffee, samosas, and sweets are priced at ₹20, according to NDTV Profit. The initiative aims to make airport amenities more accessible to travelers.
Allu Arjun Questioned Over Stampede Incident; Advocate Balu Srinivas Reddy Sparks Controversy
Actor Allu Arjun was summoned for an enquiry on Monday regarding a tragic stampede incident at a recent event. Authorities sought his statement to clarify the circumstances leading to the unfortunate mishap.
In a press meet following the enquiry, Advocate Balu Srinivas Reddy, representing the actor, stirred controversy with his remarks. He labeled the issue a politically motivated attack, claiming that certain groups were exploiting the incident to tarnish Allu Arjun’s reputation. The derogatory tone of Reddy’s comments sparked criticism, with many urging the focus to remain on addressing the victims’ concerns rather than politicizing the matter.
Public reactions remain divided, with fans rallying behind the actor while others demand accountability for the tragedy.
PM Modi Consults Economists Ahead of 2025-26 Budget
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with leading economists and thought leaders at NITI Aayog on Tuesday in preparation for the Union Budget 2025-26. The meeting, themed “Maintaining India’s Growth Momentum Amid Global Uncertainty,” focused on strategies to sustain economic progress. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was present at the session, is set to present the Budget on February 1.
Gold Outperforms Gold ETFs Over Long-Term Horizons
Physical gold has consistently delivered higher returns compared to gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) across various time frames, according to the Financial Express. Over the past five years, gold posted a 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), while top ETFs returned between 13.8% and 14.07%. In a 10-year span, gold achieved a 12% CAGR, surpassing the 10.02%-10.28% returns from ETFs. Similarly, in the last 15 years, gold’s CAGR stood at 11%, outpacing ETFs, which recorded returns between 9.54% and 9.62%.
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