Tipu Sultan is again at the centre of a Congress vs. BJP squabble in Karnataka after  MLA Prasad Abbayya from the ruling party suggested renaming Mysuru Airport to Tipu Sultan Airport. The proposal triggered opposition protests, with the BJP framing it as a Hindu vs. Muslim narrative against their icon, VD Savarkar. Historically contentious, Tipu Sultan's legacy has been exploited for political polarization, which intensified ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. BJP state chief Nalin Kateel even urged locals to "kill... followers" of Tipu. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticized the Congress. The row over Tipu Sultan - who historians believe was a fierce opponent of British rule in India, and died in battle against them dates back to 2016, when the then Congress government led by Siddaramaiah began celebrating his birthday on November 10.

K Kavitha said she was "disheartened" by Irani's response dismissing mandatory paid menstrual leave, calling it "appalling to see such ignorance... for our struggles... we deserve a level playing field and that is a non-negotiable." The BRS leader said "It is high time (we) bridge the gap between policy-making and reality with empathy and reason," arguing that "menstruation isn't a choice... it is a biological reality (and) denying paid leave ignores the genuine pain countless women endure." Irani had told Parliament "menstruation is a physiological phenomenon" most women can "manage by medication," triggering a row by refusing to mandate leave.

In a major tax evasion probe, the Income Tax Department's raids on the Odisha-based distillery linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Kumar Sahu's family result in an unprecedented ₹353.5 crore cash seizure, marking India's largest ever. Using cutting-edge technology, officials now deploy geo-surveillance systems to detect potential hidden gold at Sahu's residences. The raids, initiated on December 6, target alleged tax evasion and "off-the-book" transactions. The BJP seizes the opportunity to counter opposition claims, while Prime Minister Modi promises the return of "looted money" amid growing public scrutiny.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud sought a report after an Uttar Pradesh woman judge's shocking open letter alleging sexual harassment by a district judge went viral. Seeking permission for a "dignified" suicide, she claimed abuse by the senior official and his associates during a Barabanki stint. Detailing her ordeal as an "unwanted insect" reduced to a "walking corpse", she slammed the high court's internal panel probing her filed complaint as a sham relying on the accused's subordinates. Lamenting the Supreme Court's dismissal of her minimum request to transfer the judge pending inquiry, the judge declared having no will to live anymore after 18 months of trauma. With the Allahabad HC Acting Chief Justice also taking note, the SC Secretary General urgently contacted the registrar general for full details on the status of all complaints by the petitioner.

Lalit Jha, the accused mastermind behind the recent parliament security breach, surrendered to Delhi Police after being on the run for nearly two days. Jha, a Kolkata-based teacher, was arrested in connection with the incident where smoke bombs were set off during Lok Sabha proceedings. The orchestrated "smoke protest" aimed to draw attention to issues like unemployment, farmers' plight, and the situation in Manipur. Four individuals, including Jha, have been charged under UAPA and relevant sections of the IPC. While investigators assert the need for further examination, the motive behind the incident is under scrutiny.

IndiGo Airlines makes aviation history as the first carrier to operate from the soon-to-open Ayodhya Airport, also known as Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport. Starting January 6, 2024, direct flights will connect Ayodhya with Delhi, followed by flights to Ahmedabad on January 11. The strategic move anticipates increased travel to Ayodhya, with the inauguration of the grand Shri Ram Mandir on January 22. IndiGo's expansion to Ayodhya aims to provide seamless connectivity, catering to pilgrims and tourists seeking access to the historically and culturally significant city.

Two Muslim sculptors from West Bengal have created idols of Lord Ram that will be installed in the upcoming Ram Mandir temple complex in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Mohammed Jamaluddin and his son Bittu, sculptors from North 24 Parganas district, were commissioned to make the statues after their work was discovered online. Despite the higher cost of fiber statues, Jamaluddin said their durability makes them preferable for outdoor installations. He takes pride in creating Hindu idols and cherishes the cultural harmony it represents. “In times of communalism, we all have to stay together,” he said. The life-sized statues took a team of 30-35 workers and 1-1.5 months to create. They will be transported to Ayodhya over the next 45 days.

The Allahabad High Court has granted approval for the survey of the Shahi Idgah complex adjacent to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. A court-monitored three-member team of advocate commissioners will conduct the survey, with modalities to be decided on December 18 during the court's resumed hearing. The decision follows a demand by the Hindu side, asserting that the Idgah mosque exhibits signs of a Hindu temple. The court's approval marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the disputed land.

Air India takes a leap towards becoming a world-class carrier with the reveal of its revamped flight attendant and pilot uniforms. Crafted by renowned Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, the attire symbolizes a fusion of rich Indian heritage and contemporary elegance. The uniforms, featuring a vibrant color palette inspired by India's culture, will be phased in over the coming months, making their debut on Air India's first Airbus A350-900 flights. CEO Campbell Wilson anticipates the uniforms scripting an exciting new chapter, capturing the essence of Air India's refreshed identity and commitment to setting industry benchmarks.

At least 15 members of Parliament faced suspension on Thursday for alleged unruly behavior amid the furor over the shocking security breach in the Lok Sabha. The censured lawmakers include one Rajya Sabha MP - Trinamool's Derek O'Brien who sought discussion on the infiltration - alongside 14 Lok Sabha members like Manickam Tagore and Kanimozhi. Earlier five Congress parliamentarians were suspended for the winter session over conduct concerns raised by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. The wave of suspensions targeted vocal opposition figures demanding accountability from the government for the egregious security lapses that enabled intruders to access the temple of democracy's inner sanctum on Wednesday. But the disciplinary actions only intensified outrage over evading discussion on the core issue.