In response to the surge of pilgrims at Sabarimala, Southern Railway announces the operation of Vande Bharat Sabari special trains. Connecting Chennai Central to Kottayam and Kacheguda to Kollam, these trains aim to cater to the additional passenger influx during the ongoing Sabarimala season. Train No. 06151 departs from MGR Chennai Central at 4:30 am, reaching Kottayam at 4:15 pm on December 15, 17, 22, and 24. The return journey, Train No. 06152, leaves Kottayam at 4:40 am on December 16, 18, 23, and 25. The initiative addresses recent mismanagement issues, providing timely relief to pilgrims.

A UDF team, investigating conditions at Sabarimala's Nilackal and Pamba, labels the situation "extremely pitiable." Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan criticizes the government's failure, citing pilgrims enduring 8-9 hour queues without basic amenities, emphasizing an artificially created rush. The absence of a viripanthal leaves pilgrims with limited resting places. Overcrowded buses at Nilackal lacked air conditioning, worsening the ordeal. The panel calls for legal action against severe human rights violations, underscoring the urgent need for improved facilities. The forthcoming report to the UDF state committee aims to address the distressing state of affairs and push for corrective measures at the revered pilgrimage site.

In a commendable effort, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army rescued over 800 tourists, including elderly, women, and children, stranded in eastern Sikkim due to heavy snowfall and inclement weather. The extensive rescue mission, continuing late into the evening, ensured the safe relocation of all tourists to sheltered areas. Soldiers, demonstrating exceptional commitment, even vacated barracks to accommodate the stranded individuals. The rescued tourists received warm clothing, medical aid, and hot meals. This swift and comprehensive operation highlights the Indian Army's dedication to ensuring the well-being of those affected by adverse weather conditions.

In a shocking incident at Allahabad University, MA student Prabhat Yadav sustained critical injuries as a bomb he was allegedly crafting exploded in his hostel room. The explosion, occurring in PC Banerjee Hostel, left Yadav with severe damage to his right hand. The motive behind the bomb-making remains unclear. A second student suffered minor injuries in the incident. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Shivkuti) Rajesh Kumar Yadav confirmed Yadav's critical condition, with the injured students admitted to SRN Hospital. Authorities plan to register a case against Prabhat Yadav as investigations into the incident unfold.

Six unemployed youths orchestrated the major security breach in the Lok Sabha, spraying yellow gas during a session. The 5th suspect, Vishal Sharma, was apprehended in Gurugram, while the 6th remains at large, other 4 suspects were arrested earlier. All accused, including those who infiltrated the Parliament, were unemployed with diverse backgrounds. The breach, occurring on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, raised concerns about the security system. The Delhi police, invoking UAPA, charged the suspects, who claimed dissatisfaction over the farmers' protest, Manipur crisis, and unemployment. The Home Ministry has ordered an inquiry, leading to an overhaul of Parliament serity protocol.  

Delhi Police reveal that six individuals, acquainted for four years, meticulously planned the Lok Sabha security breach. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D leaped from the visitors' gallery, releasing yellow gas during Zero Hour. Simultaneously, Anmol and Neelam chanted slogans outside. All four, arrested promptly, had stayed in a Gurugram house. Lalit and Vikram, suspected accomplices, are being sought. A parliament secretariat request for a security review and high-level inquiry follows the breach. Leaders highlight security protocol shortcomings at an all-party meeting. The incident coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attacks, raising heightened concerns.

According to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey, India leads in global hiring optimism with a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 37%, surpassing 41 nations. Strong domestic demand fuels this surge, projecting a robust job market for January-March 2024. The Financial and Real Estate industry exhibits the brightest outlook (45%), followed by IT and Consumer Goods. However, a talent shortage persists, with 81% of Indian employers facing challenges in finding skilled talent. To address this, companies are embracing work flexibility, raising wages, and seeking talent with expertise in IT, Sales, Engineering, Operations, and HR.

Parliament security rules have been overhauled after the alarming breach on Wednesday when intruders released smoke in the Lok Sabha gallery and charged toward the Speaker's chair. The complex is now closed to visitors as protocols are strengthened, designating separate entrances for MPs, staff, press and future visitor batches. Additionally, the visitors' gallery will be enclosed in glass to prevent more chamber intrusions. New body scanners akin to airport checks will also be installed across the Parliament premises to bolster safety measures after the glaring security lapses that exposed grave vulnerabilities requiring an urgent response. The multi-pronged strategy aims to reinforce parliamentary access control and prevent repeat infiltrations.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor made a startling allegation that the two men who breached Lok Sabha security were "apparently sponsored by a sitting MP of the ruling party." Demanding answers after the audacious security lapse, Tharoor said the intruders "smuggled in smoke pistols," showing "a serious security lapse." He slammed the new Parliament building's safeguards compared to the old one. Noting the breach came on the 2001 attack anniversary, Tharoor said "the matter is serious enough that the Home Minister may want to explain." Earlier, reports emerged that Bharatiya Janata Party MP Pratap Simha had issued a visitor's pass to Sagar Sharma, one of the men. Visuals showed Sharma's pass was obtained through Simha's office, raising suspicions the trespassers faked intentions while seeking entry. 

Several members of parliament expressed concerns after a “terrible” security breach inside the Lok Sabha on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. "Does it prove that we failed to maintain a high level of security?...All the MPs fearlessly nabbed the two people but I want to know where were the security officials when all of this happened?” asked Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called it “a serious issue,” questioning how two people entered “despite such elaborate security.” TMC MP Sudip Bandopadhyay called it “a terrible experience,” wondering about their motive. Speaker Om Birla said a probe is underway, assuring “In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just a smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke.”