Author: Virgin News

India’s net Goods and Services Tax (GST) growth rate in December 2024 plummeted to 3.3%, the slowest in the fiscal year 2024-25. Gross inflows dipped to a three-month low, reflecting the challenges of a slowing economy and increased taxpayer refunds. The gross GST collections for December, representing transactions from November, stood just shy of ₹1.77 lakh crore, growing 7.3% compared to December 2023. This marks only the second time in 43 months that growth has slowed to this level. The last such declines occurred in June 2024 (7.3%) and September 2024 (6.5%). Net GST collections, after adjusting for refunds, reached…

The ₹300 crore corruption scandal involving Saurabh Sharma, a constable at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Bhopal, has deepened with shocking revelations of assets amassed through illegal activities. Enforcement agencies have recovered 52 kg of gold, 234 kg of silver, and 10 crores of cash from a vehicle linked to Sharma, alongside other properties and investments. The investigation has unearthed the following assets, revealing the massive scale of Sharma’s illicit wealth: Political Reactions The scandal has provoked strong reactions from political leaders, with sharp criticisms and conflicting statements: Digvijay Singh, Senior Congress Leader Veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh slammed…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made history with the successful launch of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, a cutting-edge demonstration of spacecraft docking and undocking technology, solidifying India’s position among an elite group of spacefaring nations. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) roared into the sky at 10 p.m. on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carrying two SpaDeX satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 additional payloads, showcasing India’s growing prowess in innovative space technology. The SpaDeX mission aims to validate key technologies essential for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking—a domain…

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan – A routine borewell digging operation in the arid region of Jaisalmer took a surprising turn when workers struck what appears to be an underground stream of the mythical Saraswati River. The unexpected burst of water has captivated locals and experts alike, sparking discussions about the region’s geology and cultural history. The incident occurred in the outskirts of Jaisalmer, a district renowned for its golden dunes and desert landscapes. The borewell, intended to address water scarcity in the area, was being drilled to a depth of approximately 120 meters when an immense gush of water erupted. Eyewitnesses described…

Punjab witnessed widespread disruptions on Monday, December 30, 2024, as farmers enforced a statewide bandh to protest the Central government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands. Organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, the shutdown, which ran from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., paralyzed traffic and affected daily life across the state. In a show of defiance and unity, farmers blocked major roads and highways, severely affecting vehicular movement. In Amritsar, protesters congregated at the Golden Gate near the city’s entry point, bringing traffic to a standstill. Similarly, in Bathinda’s Rampura Phul, farmers formed roadblocks, making…

India witnessed a solemn moment on Sunday, December 29, 2024, as the ashes of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh were immersed at Astha Ghat in Delhi. The rituals were performed in accordance with Sikh traditions at the revered Majnu Ka Tila Gurdwara, marking the final chapter in the life of a leader who profoundly shaped the nation. Dr. Singh, widely regarded as a champion of India’s middle class and a stalwart of economic reforms, passed away earlier this week. On Saturday, December 28, 2024, he was cremated with full state honors at the Nigambodh Ghat. The ceremony drew an…

As of December 28, 2024, tensions between Pakistan and the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), commonly known as the Pakistani Taliban, have escalated significantly, leading to increased military engagements and diplomatic strains between Pakistan and Afghanistan. On December 21, 2024, the TTP launched a deadly assault on a military checkpoint in South Waziristan, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 Pakistani soldiers. The TTP claimed responsibility, alleging higher casualty figures and the seizure of military equipment. In retaliation, on December 25, 2024, the Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting suspected TTP hideouts in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. Pakistani officials stated that these…

China has reiterated its commitment to constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River, asserting that the project will have no adverse impacts on downstream nations, including India and Bangladesh. Despite ecological concerns and regional apprehensions, Chinese officials emphasized that decades of research and safety measures undergird the massive undertaking, estimated to cost $137 billion. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed concerns at a press briefing, stating that the project, situated in the fragile Himalayan region, has been rigorously studied to ensure its security and environmental sustainability. “China has always been responsible for the development of cross-border…

The Supreme Court of India on December 20, 2024 has delivered a significant judgment in Criminal Appeal Nos. 5581 and 5582 of 2024 underscoring the principle that FIR of Bank Loans forming part of Economic Offences Cannot be Quashed Based on Settlement. Economic offences, due to their serious implications for public interest, cannot be quashed merely based on settlement between the parties involved in the case and this proposition of law has been settled in case titled as Anil Bhavarlal Jain & Anr. vs. The State of Maharashtra & Ors making it a distinct category requiring stringent scrutiny. The facts…

The IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground saw Australia asserting their dominance on Day 2, posting an imposing 474 before tea. India’s response began on a shaky note as the visitors ended the session at 51/2. Steve Smith once again showcased his class, smashing his 34th Test century, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja kept India in the game with impressive bowling spells. Australia’s Resilience with the Bat Resuming at an overnight score of 311/6, Australia capitalized on their strong foundation. Steve Smith, calm and composed as ever, stood out with a scintillating knock of…