Two Republican lawmakers, Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Brandon Williams, were targeted with attempted swatting incidents on Christmas Day, where false reports of emergency situations were made to local police at their homes, highlighting the increasing use of swatting as a form of online harassment.
The Congress-led government in Karnataka has delayed repealing controversial laws on anti-conversion, cattle slaughter, and hijab ban due to its numerical disadvantage in the Legislative Council and fears of giving the BJP an advantage before the Lok Sabha elections.
Visitors gathered in Mao Zedong's birthplace to celebrate his 130th birthday, with some participants invoking slogans from the Cultural Revolution era.
Firebrand YSR Congress party leader and Andhra Pradesh sports and culture minister R K Roja has accepted the possibility of not receiving the party ticket for the upcoming elections and stated that she will continue to work for the party regardless of the outcome.
Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu has expressed concern over the social media rivalry between his party's supporters and those of the Jana Sena Party, urging TDP workers to focus on addressing the government's failures and forming an alliance instead of attacking each other's leaders.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene reveals that she was targeted in an attempted "swatting" on Christmas, with someone making a false report to provoke a large police presence at her home.
Pakistan-born Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja sarcastically criticizes the ICC's alleged bias by highlighting the religious symbols on other players' bats in an Instagram post, after being charged for making a political statement in support of Palestine.
Republican Representative Laurel Lee criticized the Biden administration for its mishandling of the southern border, expressing concern over the distribution of blankets to migrants and the failure to address issues like fentanyl trafficking and the threat of individuals on the terror watch list entering the country.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her MPs of misconduct and her government of hindering the state's progress, while asserting that the BJP will secure more than 35 out of the state's 40 parliamentary seats in the coming year.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and his deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, where they discussed the allocation of an IIM and a Sainik school for Hyderabad, along with other proposals to upgrade national highway projects in the state. The prime minister assured them of national status for an irrigation project, a railway coach factory, and a steel plant in Telangana, showing a positive attitude toward the state's interests.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech at a symposium commemorating the 130th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong, emphasizing the importance of pursuing Chinese modernization and building a stronger country.
Janata Dal-United denies rumors of its national president, Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', resigning from the top post and asserts that there is no rift between him and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Apple has halted sales of some Apple Watch models due to a patent dispute with Masimo over the blood oxygen monitor feature, following a ban by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
A former TV journalist who opposes Russia's war in Ukraine has lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court after being disqualified as a candidate for Russia's upcoming presidential election, stating that the authorities have unfairly barred her from participating and risked stoking apathy and a boycott of the election by some voters.
ODM leader Raila Odinga sends his condolences to the family of the late Philip Makabong'o, the ODM Migori County chairperson, and calls for support for the family during this difficult time.
Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., has released a "Festivus" report highlighting $900 billion in wasteful government spending, including scammers using photos of Barbie dolls as false ID for PPP funds and wasteful expenses such as $659 billion for national debt interest and $33 million for the operation of Dr. Anthony Fauci's state-owned research island.
Millions of Chadians voted in favor of a new constitution that solidifies a unitary system and supports the military government's hold on power, despite opposition from critics who advocate for a federal system and accuse the government of perpetuating its rule; the referendum, which marked the second step in Chad's process of transitioning to democratic rule, has raised concerns about the consolidation of power and the potential for further conflict in the region.
Former President Donald Trump launched a series of angry and bitter online tirades over Christmas, displaying a furious state of mind and raising concerns about his temperament and fitness for office as he prepares for a potential 2024 presidential run.
Donald Trump shares a Christmas message insulting politicians.
The Congress president criticized the Modi government for spending taxpayer money on "selfie booths" at railway stations featuring photos of Prime Minister Modi, calling it a wasteful use of funds while opposition-ruled states are waiting for MGNREGA funds.
Daily Kos expresses support for the Black community and encourages engagement in the upcoming elections.
Political strategist Prashant Kishor's recent meeting with the Telugu Desam Party indicates his return to the role despite his declaration of retirement, potentially benefiting Showtime Consulting if the TDP is successful in the upcoming elections.
The Canadian government is in compensation talks with Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who were incarcerated under harsh conditions in Chinese prisons for nearly three years, and is willing to sign off on multimillion-dollar settlement packages, although there is a potential lawsuit from Spavor that has shed light on Canada's Global Security Reporting Program.
Disgruntled YSRCP leaders who lack future prospects in the party are considering joining either the Telugu Desam Party or the Jana Sena Party, with many opting for the latter in hopes of a successful alliance with the TDP.
Telangana is likely to have a new Governor as the BJP plans to appoint a tougher figure to deal with the government headed by A Revanth Reddy.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recreates scenes from Home Alone and Elf in a light-hearted video, featuring antics and a cameo from Larry the cat, with a quip at the end sparking speculation.
Pro-Palestine protestors in New York City caused chaos and clashed with the police, chanting "Christmas is canceled here" and defacing a nativity scene, as they blamed Israel for the ongoing conflict with Hamas and called for rebellion.
Thailand's Supreme Court dismissed criminal charges against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, diverging from previous rulings and the anti-corruption watchdog's findings of abuse of power.
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who recently went missing and was found in a penal colony above the Arctic Circle, has issued a statement describing himself as the new Santa Claus and expressing surprise at being found earlier than expected.
Controversial US politician Marjorie Taylor Greene was "swatted" on Christmas Day, the eighth time she has been targeted in a fake emergency call to draw armed officers to her home.
Russia's opposition leader, Aleksei Navalny, has confirmed his transfer to a penal colony in the Arctic through a letter filled with humor and irony, aimed at easing concerns among his supporters after his three-week disappearance.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed a bill banning noncompete agreements, citing the need for a more balanced approach and recognition of the urgent need to restrict such agreements for middle-class and low-wage workers.
Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan posted a heartfelt note on Instagram to his son, expressing his love for him and his frustration at being blocked from contacting him by his ex-wife.
Chinese President Xi Jinping asserts that the reunification of China and Taiwan is an inevitable outcome and firmly opposes any attempts to separate Taiwan from China during a speech commemorating Mao Zedong's birthday.
Renowned election strategist Prashant Kishor has been roped in to advise TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu on election campaigning and approach, sparking mixed reactions among political observers and party cadre.
Former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been acquitted of malfeasance in a 2011 transfer case by the Supreme Court, which ruled that it was a normal transfer and not part of a plot to appoint a relative to a high-ranking position.
The year 2023 was characterized by political dysfunction, including the historic ousting of a House speaker, the release of footage from the January 6 Capitol riots, the discovery of cocaine at the White House, tax charges against Hunter Biden, the expulsion of a Republican congressman, and criminal charges against former President Trump in Georgia and New York.
Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya sparks controversy by stating that Hinduism is a deception and a way of life, echoing previous comments made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's Georgia residence was the target of a swatting attempt on Christmas morning, but the call was quickly verified as a hoax and no emergency response was necessary, according to the Rome Police Department.
The CPI(M) has announced that its General Secretary Sitaram Yechury will not attend the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, stating that the BJP-RSS is using the religious event for political gain.
The Telangana Chief Minister is committed to supporting accelerated industrial development and providing necessary amenities and incentives to Foxconn for their proposed projects.
Alt News co-founder Mohammad Zubair falsely accused former athlete Anju Bobby George of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019, despite multiple fact-checks and clarifications from Anju and the BJP.
Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, is expected to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and move to New Delhi, possibly from either the Medak or Karimnagar constituency.
TDP boss N. Chandrababu Naidu is reportedly willing to give up a constituency in the upcoming elections to support his sister-in-law's son, Hitesh Chenchuram, in his political debut, potentially fielding him from the Parchuru Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh.
Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya has ignited controversy by stating that "Hinduism is not a religion but a deceit and a means of livelihood for some," referring to remarks made by prominent figures such as Supreme Court, Mohan Bhagwat, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Critics argue that the UK's tough new protest laws, which have resulted in the arrest of hundreds of environmental activists, mark a troubling departure from civil rights and are eroding democratic foundations, while the government claims that the laws are necessary to prevent extremist activists from disrupting daily life and damaging the economy.
Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya defends his "Hindu ek dhoka hai" remark by stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari have also made similar statements, and questions why his comments stir controversy while theirs do not.
Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been transferred to an isolated penal colony in the Arctic, ahead of a presidential vote expected to give Vladimir Putin a fifth term.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, faces challenges and obstacles in her role, including interference from other European leaders and media scrutiny; Vladimir Putin demonstrates skilled manipulation in European affairs despite facing sanctions; Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis navigates a spying scandal with success while maintaining his innocence; Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy czar, is prone to diplomatic blunders, including controversial statements about Israel; Greta Thunberg, once known for her climate activism, is now criticizing Israel and alienating supporters; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while once influenced by fascist themes, has taken a more moderate approach in her governance.
India's right-wing student organization, ABVP, with over 5 million members, has seen its influence grow in Indian politics and academia, with many BJP leaders having strong links to the organization.